The Role of Infectious Agents in Etiology of Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system. In this disease, the immune system attacks myelin sheath in the areas of the brain and spinal cord known as the white matter. Despite extensive researches, the etiology of disease is still unknown. Epidemiological evidences and high levels of immunoglobulin G in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients suggest a role for infectious disease in the etiology of multiple sclerosis. In this paper, we review the recent findings regarding the most extensively studied bacteria and viruses in the etiology of multiple sclerosis. Keywords: Multiple Sclerosis, Myelin, Immunoglobulin G, Infectious agents.