by Gertrud U. Rey Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a common human herpesvirus that typically spreads through saliva and is known for causing infectious mononucleosis (i.e., “mono”). There is an established causal link between infection with EBV and the development of multiple sclerosis. Emerging evidence now suggests that EBV may also play a significant role in …
by Gertrud U. Rey Long COVID is a chronic manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and it is most commonly characterized by lingering fatigue, brain fog, memory impairment, and confusion. Although it is unclear how the viral infection leads to long COVID, experts speculate that one or more of the following factors may contribute: an inability to …
Several new lines of evidence suggest that Epstein-Barr virus infection may be a risk factor for the development of multiple sclerosis.
by Gertrud U. Rey Type 1 diabetes is an organ-specific autoimmune disease that is characterized by the loss of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. The loss of these cells leads to decreased insulin production (hypoinsulinemia) and increased levels of glucose in the blood (hyperglycemia). While it is still unclear what exactly causes the loss …
On episode #345 of the science show This Week in Virology, the TWiVonauts review how the weather affects West Nile virus disease in the US, benefit of B cell depletion for ME/CFS patients, and an autoimmune reaction induced by influenza virus vaccine that leads to narcolepsy. You can find TWiV #345 at www.microbe.tv/twiv.
