Infectious mononucleosis and risk for multiple sclerosis: a meta‐analysis

EL Thacker, F Mirzaei, A Ascherio - Annals of neurology, 2006 - Wiley Online Library
EL Thacker, F Mirzaei, A Ascherio
Annals of neurology, 2006Wiley Online Library
Objective To characterize the association between infectious mononucleosis (IM), a frequent
clinical manifestation of primary Epstein–Barr virus infection after childhood, and the risk for
multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of
case–control and cohort studies of IM and MS. Results The combined relative risk of MS
after IM from 14 studies was 2.3 (95% confidence interval, 1.7–3.0; p< 10− 8). Potential
sources of heterogeneity (ie, study design, MS definition, and latitude) barely influenced our …
Objective
To characterize the association between infectious mononucleosis (IM), a frequent clinical manifestation of primary Epstein–Barr virus infection after childhood, and the risk for multiple sclerosis (MS).
Methods
We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of case–control and cohort studies of IM and MS.
Results
The combined relative risk of MS after IM from 14 studies was 2.3 (95% confidence interval, 1.7–3.0; p < 10−8). Potential sources of heterogeneity (ie, study design, MS definition, and latitude) barely influenced our results.
Interpretation
We conclude that Epstein–Barr virus infection manifesting as IM in adolescents and young adults is a risk factor for MS. Ann Neurol 2006; 59:499–503
Wiley Online Library