Epstein-Barr Virus May Be Leading Cause or Trigger of Multiple Sclerosis, New Harvard-Led Study Suggests

A joint team from Taiwan and the US found that demethylating drugs may induce the body to activate the SALL4 oncogene, leading to further deterioration of the disease. This photo shows human blood samples on an automated testing line. David Silverman/Getty Images

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) may be the leading cause or trigger of multiple sclerosis (MS), a study led by Harvard researchers suggests.

MS is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease of the brain and spinal cord that affects 2.8 million people worldwide, nearly 1 million of whom are in the United States. The cause of MS has not been established although many have suspected EBV, a member of the herpesvirus family that can cause infectious mononucleosis, also called “kissing disease.” EBV can also establish a lifelong latent infection in the individual.