Sick Kids researchers look at viral triggers for multiple sclerosis i...( ms with muscle control and strength vi...)

The symptoms of MS are caused by inflammation of the central nervous system and the destruction of myelin, the protein coating that surrounds and protects nerve fibres (axons).

MS is believed to involve a complex interplay between environmental triggers (such as infections), genetic predisposition, and an abnormal autoimmune response. At least five per cent of all MS patients experience the onset of their disease before the age of 18. It is estimated that 50,000 Canadians have MS. Multiple sclerosis is the most prevalent in countries that are furthest from the equator, such as Canada, northern Europe, and Australia.

"We suspect that it is the sequence and timing of viral exposure and how this modifies an individual's immune response that is important," said Dr. Banwell. "Children with MS are the closest to the biological onset of the disease, which allows us to look at a whole host of causative factors that are very difficult to study in adults."

Other members of the research team included Dr. Suad Alotaibi (now at the Al-Sabah Hospital in Kuwait), and Julia Kennedy, Dr. Raymond Tellier, and Derek Stephens, all from The Hospital for Sick Children.

'"/>

Contact: Laura Greer
laura.greer@sickkids.ca
416-813-5046
University of Toronto
20-Apr-2004