Article abstract Interferon beta (IFNβ) reduces the relapse rate, disease activity as measured
by serial MRI scanning, and disease progression of MS. Therapy with IFNβ may be
associated with a number of adverse reactions. Relatively frequent side effects include flu-
like symptoms, transient laboratory abnormalities, menstrual disorders, and increased
spasticity. Dermal injection site reactions occur after subcutaneous application of IFNβ-1b
and IFNβ-1a. Possible side effects of IFNβ include various autoimmune reactions, capillary …

It has been suggested that the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) plays a role in the etiology of
multiple sclerosis (MS), but individual epidemiologic studies have been inconclusive, in part
because of the high prevalence of previous infection among individuals without MS. We
conducted a systematic review of case-control studies comparing EBV serology in MS
patients and controls. Eight published investigations were identified, including a total of
1,005 cases and 1,060 controls. The summary odds ratio of MS comparing EBV seropositive …

The cause of multiple sclerosis remains unknown after more than a century of study.
Unconfirmed work has once more indicated that a viral infection may be important in the
aetiology of the disease, and there is considerable evidence for an important genetic
influence on disease susceptibility. The clinical course is as variable as that of any disease
in medicine. Studies using serial magnetic resonance imaging have helped to define the
disease course and response to experimental therapies. Although the predominant …