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Sexual Transmission Theory Not
Based on Established Data
Medical Update Memo
October 21, 2002
Summary
A recent article published in The Journal of Neurology,
Neurosurgery and Psychiatry suggesting that multiple sclerosis
might be transmitted through sexual contact is not based on
sound scientific research. MS experts around the world immediately
dismissed the paper's claims, saying the conclusions were unfounded
and not based on known scientific data about MS. In addition,
the paper ignores evidence from the Canadian Collaborative Study
of Genetic Susceptibility in MS that spouses of people with
MS are of no greater risk of developing the disease than the
general population.
Details
An article by Dr. Christopher Hawkes of the London Institute
of Neurology published recently in The Journal of Neurology,
Neurosurgery and Psychiatry suggested that multiple sclerosis
might be transmitted by sexual contact. He based his theory
on a re-examination of MS outbreaks in isolated areas which
occurred from 18 months to 20 years following the arrival of
British and Allied troops during World War II and a review of
MS prevalence rates which Dr. Hawkes suggested show lower rates
of MS in societies with a strict moral code. From this, Dr.
Hawkes theorized that MS might be transmitted by a sexually
transmitted virus.
International MS research experts immediately
dismissed the papers claims as unfounded and not based on known
scientific data. Dr. Steven Jacobson, head of the virology immunology
section at the National Institute of Neurological Disorder and
Stroke (USA), pointed out that it is still not known after many
years of research whether viruses are actually involved in MS
at all.
In addition, the work of the Canadian Collaborative
Study of Genetic Susceptibility in MS has found spouses of people
with MS are of no greater risk of developing the disease than
the general population which contradicts an infectious theory.
The study is headed by Dr. George Ebers of the University of
Oxford and Dr. Dessa Sadovnick of the University of British
Columbia.
Commenting on the paper, Dr. Alastair Compston,
professor of neurology at Cambridge University, said: "As
no new facts have been reported, this paper has little if any
scientific value. The hypothesis falls down quickly and repeatedly
in the face of known facts."
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Disclaimer
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada is an independent,
voluntary health agency and does not approve, endorse or recommend
any specific product or therapy but provides information to
assist individuals in making their own decisions.
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