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Possible Chicken Pox Virus Link with
MS Explored
Medical Update Memo
May 1996
A University of Manitoba neurologist's
observations that Manitoba Hutterites' apparent lower rates
of multiple sclerosis, chicken pox and shingles have led him
to theorize there may be links between MS and the chicken pox
virus (varicella zoster). Dr. Robert Ross and co-researchers
Dr. Lindsay Nicolle and Mary Cheang searched the health records
of more than 5,600 Hutterites and compared them with a matching
group of non-Hutterites. During the survey period of 1985-1991,
they found five cases of MS among Hutterites compared to 17
in the control group. Forty Hutterites reportedly had shingles
(a later reoccurrence of chicken pox) compared to 76 people
in the control group. Immunity to chicken pox -- which signifies
a past infection -- was greater in the control group compared
to the Hutterites, meaning that Hutterites experienced fewer
cases of chicken pox.
What the significance of these observations
means is not yet clear. Dr. William J. McIlroy, national medical
advisor, pointed out that others have observed that Hutterites
have much lower rates of MS, leading to speculation that something
in their genetic make-up protects them from the disease. Hutterites
in Canada trace their background to a close-knit religious group
that originated in 16th century Austria. The largest populations
of Hutterites in Canada are found in Manitoba and Alberta.
Dr. McIlroy also noted that over the years
a number of viruses have been linked to MS, but none have definitely
been shown to be the cause. Many researchers now think that
MS may be triggered by any one of a number of common viruses
in genetically susceptible individuals. Work is underway in
Canada and elsewhere to determine if a process called molecular
mimicry could explain how certain viruses might trigger the
body's immune system to attack myelin, causing the signs and
symptoms of MS.
Researchers theorize that the immune system
mistakes components of myelin for the virus because they share
similar structures on the molecular level. MS Society funded
researchers who are exploring this theory include Drs. Lorne
Kastrukoff and Eva Thomas, University of British Columbia, and
Dr. Pierre Talbot, Institut Armand-Frappier, Montreal.
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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