The prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Abstract

Investigations on the prevalence rates of multiple sclerosis (MS) around the world have yielded important clues on the interplay between genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. As Brazil is a huge country laid on many latitudes and inhabited by population with distinct ethnic backgrounds, it might be assumed that the frequency of MS varies in its different regions. To determine the prevalence rate of MS in Belo Horizonte, the capital of the State of Minas Gerais, Southeastern Brazil. We used six sources to draw up a provisional list of identified cases of MS. Only patients with diagnosis of clinically definite MS according to Poser Committee criteria were included. The calculated crude MS prevalence was 18.1/100,000 inhabitants. The MS prevalence in Belo Horizonte is similar to that found in São Paulo and Botucatu, two other cities in southeastern Brazil with similar ethnic background.