Glandular fever infection may contribute to the risk of developing multiple sclerosis in patients who do not get much sunlight, researchers revealed last night.
The combination of infection and of lack of sunlight explains as much as 72 per cent of differences in rates of multiple sclerosis, according to a study conducted in the UK.
The findings, reported in the journal Neurology, come from a study of people diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis – known as glandular fever in the UK.
Researchers found some 56,000 cases of multiple sclerosis and 14,000 cases of mononucleosis over a seven year period. These were compared with figures from NASA showing the intensity of sunlight over the country, measured by ultraviolet B or UVB.
The researchers believe that reduced exposure to sunlight reduces vitamin D levels – and that this may allow the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes glandular fever, to trigger MS.
Researcher Dr George Ebers, of Oxford University, UK, said: "Lower levels of UVB in the spring season correspond with peak risk of MS by birth month.
"More research should be done on whether increasing UVB exposure or using vitamin D supplements and possible treatments or vaccines for the Epstein-Barr virus could lead to fewer cases of MS."
Neurology April 19 2011
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