Prevalence of viral infections in MS and ALS

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are neurological diseases with complex etiologies, involving both genetic and environmental factors. Evidence suggests that viral infections may play a role in pathogenesis of these diseases. This review aims to summarize the current understanding of the prevalence of viral infections in MS and ALS. In MS, several viruses have been implicated, including Epstein-Barr virus, human herpesvirus 6, and varicella-zoster virus. Studies have reported elevated antibody titers against these viruses in MS patients compared to controls, suggesting a potential association between viral infections and MS risk. viral infections have been linked to MS relapses and disease progression, indicating a possible role in disease activation. In ALS, viral infections as enteroviruses and retroviruses have been investigated as potential triggers or contributors to disease pathogenesis. While the evidence linking viral infections to ALS is less robust than in MS, studies have reported associations between specific viral infections and ALS progression. Understanding the prevalence of viral infections in MS and ALS is crucial for unraveling the complex interplay between viruses and the immune system in these diseases. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms by which viral infections may influence disease development and progression in MS and ALS, which could lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting viral pathways in these neurological disorders. This review briefly discusses the epidemiology and pathophysiology related alterations of Multiple sclerosis and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and their immune responses highlighting the viral infections associated with these diseases.