NEWS: Is Multiple Sclerosis caused by a virus?
Oregon scientists suspect a virus is triggering MS in monkeys. This research may hold a clue to discovering how pathogens may trigger a wide variety of conditions in humans.
From the Oregonian:
Monkey multiple sclerosis discovered in Oregon suggests virus may cause human disease
Published: Tuesday, June 28, 2011, 8:05 PM Updated: Wednesday, June 29, 2011, 6:00 AM
In 1986, an unknown disease began killing monkeys at the Oregon National Primate Research Center in Hillsboro. Affected animals developed an unsteady gait and a rapidly advancing paralysis of the limbs. Caregivers could do nothing to stop the disease and euthanized most of the helpless animals within a week of symptom onset.
The disease, researchers now report, is the monkey equivalent of multiple sclerosis. And it appears to be caused by a virus – adding support to the possibility that multiple sclerosis in humans can be triggered by a viral infection. Experts say the discovery could help expedite the search for more effective treatments.
Click here to read the rest of the article.
Add another possible one to Paul Ewald's list.
Yep, I recall that 1999 Atlantic Mag article about Ewald and Cochran. Seems they have been on the right track.