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Glandular fever may be the biggest cause of multiple sclerosis, a major study has concluded.
Harvard scientists say they have 'compelling evidence' the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) – which causes the 'kissing disease'/mononucleosis – is to blame.
They tracked the prevalence of MS among 10million soldiers in the US military over the course of two decades. Volunteers regularly had blood tests taken to see if they had EBV.
Almost 1,000 were diagnosed with the crippling condition, which can leave victims struggling to walk and see.
Analysis of the patients revealed that those who had EBV were 32 times more likely to get MS. No other infection raised the risk.
Professor Alberto Ascherio, study author, said: 'The hypothesis that EBV causes MS has been investigated by our group and others for several years.
'But this is the first study providing compelling evidence of causality.
'This is a big step because it suggests that most MS cases could be prevented by stopping EBV infection.'
He added: 'Targeting EBV could lead to the discovery of a cure for MS.'
A graphic showing a 3D model of the Epstein-Barr virus. Harvard scientist say they have found compelling evidence this virus is behind MS, a crippling illness affecting the body's nerves which leads to problems with movement and the senses
