'Kissing disease' paralyzes teenagers
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) transmitted by kissing causes mononucleosis in adolescents, which can develop into multiple sclerosis, leading to paralysis.
As an active teenager, Christian Denis suddenly dropped out of school just to stay at home to sleep. The problem lasted from the summer of freshman to sophomore year. The healthy young man no longer plays basketball with his friends like before. After a while, all manifestations ceased, Denis returned to normal.
Christian Denis, now 39, said in 1999 he and his girlfriend contracted mononucleosis, caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), also known as the "kissing disease" of adolescence. EBV is transmitted through saliva, which can be spread by kissing, sharing glasses, cups, or eating utensils.
At the age of 19, Denis developed strange symptoms such as dizziness, difficulty pointing, lifting and grasping objects. Denis was also diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a chronic disease of the brain and spinal cord that causes symptoms such as paralysis and cognitive dysfunction.
Recently, scientists identified the "kissing disease" caused by EBV as an important factor leading to Denis's multiple sclerosis. Experts hope to better understand this connection, thereby coming up with effective treatments.
The notion that a short-lived viral illness can lead to chronic complications, persisting many years later, is still relatively new in medicine. Dr Lawrence Steinman, a neurologist and multiple sclerosis specialist at Stanford, said: 'This may be a bold statement, but it is true that it is likely that most autoimmune diseases are usually caused by bacteria or viruses.
EBV is a virus linked to many health problems, including Hodgkin lymphoma and rheumatoid arthritis. Professor Alberto Ascherio, of Harvard University, studied more than 10 million members of the US military and found that their risk of developing multiple sclerosis increased 32 times after infection with EBV, on par with the rate of cancer caused by smoking.
"This is a big step forward, showing that most cases of multiple sclerosis can be prevented by preventing EBV infection, thereby creating a potential cure," said Prof Ascherio.
The Epstein-Barr virus can be transmitted through saliva during kissing. Photo: Freepik
According to experts, some teenagers contract EBV in their 20s. Experts estimate that more than 90% of people worldwide contract the virus, but less than 0.5% develop multiple sclerosis.
Most young children with EBV have no symptoms at all. In young adults, the disease often causes fatigue, causing the body to trigger an excessive immune response, increasing the risk of developing multiple sclerosis.
Dr. Steinman discovered two additional factors that promote the development of this disease. The first is genetic. The second is the degree of association between the EBV antibody and the protein at specific times.
Some young adults with multiple sclerosis experience reduced mobility, becoming clumsy, disjointed, stiff, and spasmodic. Others have paralysis, cognitive dysfunction, or urinary incontinence. There are many medications available to help control the disease, but there is no cure. The disease currently affects about one million people across the United States.
Roxane Beygi is a patient with multiple sclerosis, requiring intensive treatment. Diagnosed at the age of 14, she, like Denis, also experienced extreme bouts of fatigue that lasted for months. Beygi decided to have a stem cell transplant - a risky and expensive process. Twelve years later, she is almost fully recovered, with only hand tremors when she writes.
Experts say learning about how and when EBV infection occurs and how it develops into multiple sclerosis will open up hope in prevention and treatment. They suggest vaccinating children, preventing "kissing disease" in teenagers. Moderna is testing such a vaccine, in the early stages.