Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease which affects the brain and spinal cord. MS can cause a variety of symptoms, including changes in sensation, visual problems, muscle we...
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Epstein-Barr Virus & MS??
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I remember reading this somewhere in this forum and went back 15 pages, but could not find the thread. So, I apologize for starting another b/c I can't remember everything in detail. I just received a copy of one of my blood tests reports from my Neuro. which says that I have a positive "Epstein-Barr Virus IGG AB" @ 4.45. and an EGB Nuclear Antigen of >5.00. These #'s were significantly high according to the charts. Her summary also stated...PAST INFECTION WITH INFECTIOUS MONO/EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS. I guess one my "know-it-all" doctors in my past mistakenly diagnosed me with yet another sinus infection/allergies (what they have always blamed my symptoms on!!). Anyways, I remember the previous post had a link to a medical website linking MS to previous EBV infection. Would whoever posted this link please post it again for me?? I would also like to hear from everyone that has been previously infected with EBV & if your neuro. has suggested the relationship between the 2? I go to see my neuro. on Monday and I will post what she says. TIA ~Tonya
Posted on 04/13/07, 05:04 pm |
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I wasn't the one to post the link, but researchers do believe that Epstein-Barr is one of several viruses (another is the Herpes Simplex family) that can "sensitize" the immune system and set the stage for MS later on.
I had EBV when I was in high school, and was diagnosed with MS when I was 26 (I'm 32 now). My first neuro, now retired, but the one who diagnosed me, believed there was a very strong connection between the two. -Karen 
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Thanks Karen! I'm sure my Neuro will explain this to me, if not, I'll ask. I feel that she tested me for it out of suspicion. She specializes in MS and is currently on a research team of Dr.'s for MS. So far I have great confidence in her & trust her judgement. Now I'm really anxious to have my tests done on Monday & hear the results!! I'll keep everyone posted. Thanks again Karen, and by the way, I've read many of your replies and you not only seem to be very knowledgable, but also very concerned and caring! ;) ~ Tonya
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WOW, I was not aware of that!!! I had MONO when I was 25 and I was dx'd in October when I was 30. I think that I'm going to talk to my dr. If you find out anything else please post it. I'm curious. Thanks.
Erin
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I found this article on the National MS Society's website, under "archived research - 2006". It's not the same one that someone had posted before, but it still gives good info. Here is the link to paste into your browser:
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/s... I'll post again after talking to my neuro. on Monday. ~ Tonya :)
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I truly thought that I had replied to this yesterday, but don't see the post here. No idea what happened. Anyway, yes, I tested positive for EPV, which was then diagnosed as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (the 'fad' diagnosis at the time as one doctor put it.
Anyway, I was sent to another doctor for a second opinion. This doctor was an internal med. guy, I think. He ordered blood tests. I had the tests and was ushered into an exam. room. He didn't examine me, I don't think. (This was around 10 or more years ago). What I DO REMEMBER is that he told me my blood work did not indicate CFS. He went on to say that everything was 'in my head' and that the doctor I needed to see was a psychiatrist and should also consider counseling on a long term basis. The nerve of the guy! He knew absolutely NOTHING about me and yet came to this conclusion. Some doctors are complete idiots but believe that they are 'GIFTS' to the medical field. So yes on the EBV. Interesting that there is the correlation between that and MS. Hmmmmm....
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Hi Tonya! I, too, raise my hand at having Mono in college at 18 years old, and perhaps in elementary school when there was a Mono outbreak in my school and everyone was sick with something. So far, I have not been tested as having past EBV infection, just vitamin difficiencies and thyroid stuff. I was diagnosed with mild RRMS last November at 32 years old. There are also a number of various autoimmune disorders that run in my family, so I don't know which carries the most blame...the EBV virus that can be a catalyst or my possible/probably genetic heritage that makes me susceptible for an autoimmune disease! I'm in a research study right now through the University of San Francisco that's studying DNA of MS patients and their parents to try to find genetic markers for MS. So far, I think I'll blame it ALL for my MS, including ALL past doctors that dismissed symptoms, sound good to everyone else?!?! LOL! Much luv, Julz :)
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awesome info!
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Julz, maybe you should recommend they research the EBV link to MS. (grin) Anyways, I'm finding it interesting as to how many MS'ers I've heard say that yes, they were in fact infected with EBV. I found another research article describing how the EBV antigen hides out in the B-cells as "sleeper cells", tricks the immune system in order to stay & to prevent the B-cells from "commiting suicide", then "activates" when ever it decides to. It is interesting stuff. I don't have the link to post right now, because I'm on a different computer, but will post it this even. when I get home.
~ Tonya
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This is all very interseting, my daughter who is 14 had mono earlier this year. Now I am quite worried that she will end up with MS like me.
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I had a pretty severe case of Mono when I was 16. I had to be hospitalized for 3 days and missed about 2months of …
From Nov 5th National MS Society **Adds to evidence of link between EBV and MS, but does not prove EBV causes …
I am curious to see how many of you had mononucleosis or Epstein-Barr before. I had a debilitating case in my early …
