Bacteria and M.S.?

Question

It is not known the cause of multiple sclerosis, although some say it could be caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Does this mean ANY virus or bacteria? For example if someone had a minor bacterial skin infection, he/she could develop M.S. from that as the body tries to fight it off, and develop the autoimmune disease and it just happens to random people? or are scientists saying it might be caused by a *certain* bacterial infection or viral infection, one that causes MS

Answer 1

Hey Z! How have you been? How is all the dr and testing going?

My understanding is that there may be ONE that causes it, not just in general. And I do know that research is being done to find this ONE. With that being said, MSers can have an exacerbation due to any virus or bacterias that the body is fighting. Our bodies are weak and our immune systems are so messed up that to fight a simple cold, can casuse us to be really sick. Check out the National Multiple Sclerosis Society site and the MS Foundation for more info.

Answer 2

I have been through all this with Arthritis, what is the cause, was it a infection, viral or bacterial?
I came to the conclusion based on medical history that first one has to have the 'genetic predisposition' to a disease, although I detest that word so condition. In childhood we are exposed to many infections and viruses, so say for example infection A seems to reoccur several times a year and as I go through life every time I am exposed to infection A my immune system launches a all out nuclear strike, is expended. Then I get infection A again and this time nuclear strike. Now while I should be immune to infection A, as they have a tendency to mutate, my immune system is wearing itself out trying to deal with it. Eventually my immune system goes onto automatic pilot, launches the biggest attack every and sustains that attack, otherwise 'I' might die. At that point we end up with autoimmune conditions.
Therefore I think I am just 'hyper sensitive' to whatever Infection A subclass bcdef was or is. I do know that if I get a strep throat and do not receive prompt antibiotic treatment, all Hades breaks out, joints rebel, the throat ends up once as a serious mouth, tongue infection if not chest infection.
So what started as a normal immune response developed into a hyper sensitive response and then autoimmune condition. Now my nerves are starting to cause problems, am off to Hospital tomorrow for a EMG, see what they find next?

Answer 3

An illness can be a trigger for any autoimmune disorder. but there are other "triggers" as well. I keep up with studies, as my life can depend on it. I have a related disease, that can mimic MS in some and MS has been mis-diagnosed in some. The disease is named Antiphospholipid Syndrome and can be diagnosed with blood tests. I'll include a link.
Do not stress yourself trying to figure out how you became sick. You were predisposed to it, and like myself, never asked for this. Best wishes

Answer 4

Here is the best and most trustworthy information I could find. It's really interesting. Hope you find your answers.

www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/guide/multiple-sclerosis-causes

Answer 5

Definitely an infectious cause. We have some of the most recent research in our library.

Antibiotics are now used to treat Multiple sclerosis. For more info, please join our group at:

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/antibio