Study: More evidence links a virus to multiple sclerosis
By LAURAN NEERGAARD
AP Medical Writer
A new study offers stronger evidence that one of the world’s most common viruses may set some people on the path to developing multiple sclerosis. The Epstein-Barr virus has long been a suspect. Harvard researchers tracked blood testing of 10 million U.S. military recruits over 20 years and concluded Epstein-Barr — and no other virus — increased the risk of later MS. It’s not the only factor because just about everybody gets Epstein-Barr but only a small fraction develop MS. But the finding may help spur vaccine development. The study was published Thursday in the journal Science.