Geographic correlation of multiple sclerosis with tick-borne diseases.
An arboviral theory of multiple sclerosis (MS) is presented. Although high MS rates correlate with the distribution of certain population, high rates also correlate with the distribution of Ixodes genus tick viruses. These ticks and viruses are globally distributed by polar-migrating seabirds which are important food sources for island and coastal communities with high MS. Investigation of tick-borne viruses, especially those found in seabirds, in MS is warranted.
Brown
J S
JS
Keller Army Community Hospital, US Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, USA.
D000818:Animals; D001102:Arbovirus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D001266:Atlantic Islands; D001717:Birds; D004199:Disease Vectors; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009792:Oceans and Seas; D015995:Prevalence; D017282:Tick-Borne Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*