title: Epidemiology of Multiple Sclerosis.
abstract: The epidemiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) includes a consideration of genetic and environmental factors. Comparative studies of different populations have revealed prevalence and incidence rates that vary with geography and ethnicity. With a prevalence ranging from 2 per 100,000 in Japan to greater than 100 per 100,000 in Northern Europe and North America, the burden of MS is similarly unevenly influenced by longevity and comorbid disorders. Well-powered genome-wide association studies have investigated the genetic substrate of MS, providing insight into autoimmune mechanisms involved in the etiopathogenesis of MS and elucidating possible avenues of biological treatment.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neuroepidemiology, Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Care Center, New York University, New York, NY, USA. Electronic address: Jonathan.howard@nyumc.org.
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Howard
authors.affiliation: New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Trevick
authors.affiliation: Division of Neuroepidemiology, Department of Neurology, New York University School of Medicine, College of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: David S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Younger
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy
keywords: Multiple sclerosis; Neuroepidemiology; Public health