Dr. Marianna Cortese

Research Scientist

Abstract

„The role of the Epstein-Barr virus in multiple sclerosis“

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has long been a top suspect etiologic factor for MS. The proof of causality has, however, remained elusive. This talk will tell the story of how a 20-year collaborative research effort with the US military led to unraveling the link between EBV and MS in a cohort study of 10 million young adults on active duty in the US military and suggests EBV infection as the leading cause of MS.