Source
Neuroimmunology Unit, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
A possible association of multiple sclerosis (MS) with viral diseases has been postulated; in previous studies we have found that in Mexican mestizos the antecedent of varicella during childhood represents a risk factor for the development of MS during adulthood.
AIM:
We conducted a retrospective search for varicella and zoster infections associated with the development of MS.
METHODS AND RESULTS:
In a cohort of 82 consecutive patients with MS we found six cases, four of varicella and two of zoster, that were concurrent with the development or the progress of MS.
CONCLUSIONS:
The association of these pathologies is higher than expected and suggests a possible etiological relationship of the varicella zoster virus with MS.