Space-time clustering of multiple sclerosis cases around birth.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether infectious events around birth and during early infancy are likely to be of relevance in MS pathogenesis.


METHODS
Data are available from two regions in The Netherlands: Groningen (n=320) and Rotterdam (n=226). Simultaneous clustering in birth date and birth location of MS cases is tested by the methods of Mantel, Knox and Jacquez.


RESULTS
No evidence was found for a space-time interaction between place and time of birth.


CONCLUSIONS
Perinatal infectious events are unlikely to be a major factor in determining MS susceptibility.
van Buuren
S
S
TNO Prevention and Health, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Zaadstra
B M
BM
Zwanikken
C P
CP
Buljevac
D
D
van Noort
J M
JM
D017677:Age Distribution; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007239:Infections / Q000150:complications; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D013029:Space-Time Clustering