When does MS begin after Epstein-Barr virus infection?

Start Term
End Term
Funding Amount
$299,727
Affiliation(s)
St. Michael’s Hospital
Geographic Region(s) / Province(s)
Ontario
Researcher(s)
Dr. Dalia Rotstein
Research Priorities
Cause of MS
Impact Goal(s)
Prevent MS

Summary: 

  • Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection results in infectious mononucleosis and is a known risk factor for MS. Recently, EBV was shown to be an early trigger necessary for disease onset. 
  • Dr. Dalia Rotstein and team will examine population health data to understand the timeline from infectious mononucleosis which coincides with EBV infection to onset of MS. They will also look at the timeline from infectious mononucleosis to the starting point of the MS prodromal phase, a period of early non-specific symptoms prior to MS onset. 
  • Knowledge generated from this research will be important in developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to prevent MS. 

Project Description: 

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is believed to be an initial trigger of MS, however further research is needed to understand how EBV infection resulting in infectious mononucleosis leads to MS onset. Dr. Dalia Rotstein and team aim to determine the timeline between infectious mononucleosis to clinical onset of MS, as well as the timeline between infectious mononucleosis to onset and duration of the MS prodrome. The MS prodrome is a period of early, non-specific signs and symptoms prior to clinical onset of MS, and is associated with increased health service use. The researchers will use administrative health data from Ontario to examine cases of infectious mononucleosis and their evolution from EBV infection to MS disease. Factors such as age, sex, socioeconomic status, and immigrant status will also be examined in relation to these timelines. 

Potential Impact: The findings of this study will provide further insight in to how and when MS develops following EBV infection. This research has the potential to guide future diagnostic and therapeutic developments for early detection and prevention of MS. 

Project Status: In Progress