United Arab Emirates scientists have found active Epstein-Barr virus in many multiple sclerosis patients’ brain cells, supporting the notion that it plays a role in the disease.

The team found it in two types of brain cells — astrocytes and microglia. The virus can be active or lie dormant in the body.

Researchers’ study, “Epstein-Barr virus is present in the brain of most cases of multiple sclerosis and may engage more than just B cells,” appeared in the journal PLoS ONE. A team at United Arab Emirates University led the work.

Epstein-Barr, a member of the herpes family, is one of the most common human viruses.

Read full article here

Read more on the Epstein Barr Virus here