Mono Linked to Multiple Sclerosis Risk

Many, probably most, US citizens contract infectious mononucleosis during their youth; it's known as "the kissing disease", and is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. It leaves no obvious sequelae. However, a study just reported in the Archives of Neurology indicates that previous mono may increase the risk for later multiple sclerosis (MS).

A study done in Denmark of 25,000 patients with mono (confirmed by blood tests) showed that during the subsequent 28 years there were 104 cases of MS, which represented an incidence of 2.27. The risk for MS was persistently increased for more than 30 years after the diagnosis of mono. This was calculated to be more than twice the normal incidence expected during that period. The scientists note that the severity of the mono didn’t influence the likelihood of subsequent MS.

Until now, there has been no great attempt to isolate cases of mono to prevent cross-infection in schools, college etc. Maybe that should be re-thought. MS is a severe debilitating and lethal condition, so that anything that halves the likelihood of its occurrence is worth adapting.