15 Causes And Risk Factors Linked To Multiple Sclerosis

5. Certain Infections

Infectious agents are known to be a key factor in triggering an individual to develop multiple sclerosis. While viral infections of certain types are never a single factor that results in the development of multiple sclerosis, they do play a considerable role in triggering it. Epstein-Barr virus is the virus in humans that causes mononucleosis. In infectious mononucleosis patients, this virus activates the HERV-W/MSRV retrovirus. This activation is associated with multiple sclerosis development even though the mechanism of how is unclear. Infection with the human herpesvirus 6 may cause an individual to be at an increased risk of triggering multiple sclerosis. The role of HHV-6 in multiple sclerosis is associated with an increase in the HHV-6 antibodies produced by the affected individual's immune system. The relations between viral infections and multiple sclerosis are often found when the proteins present in the cerebral spinal fluid of multiple sclerosis patients are the same as those found in individuals with certain nervous system diseases known to be caused by specific viruses.

6. Gut Microbiome Imbalance

Emerging research suggests that your gut may play a bigger role in MS than once believed. The gut microbiome—home to trillions of bacteria—helps regulate immune responses. In MS patients, studies have found altered gut flora, including decreased levels of anti-inflammatory bacteria and increased pro-inflammatory strains. This imbalance can trigger systemic inflammation, potentially contributing to the immune system mistakenly attacking the central nervous system. While the exact mechanisms are still under investigation, probiotic therapies and diet-based interventions are being explored as future treatment avenues. It’s not just what you eat—it’s how your microbiome responds that may influence MS progression.