Environmental Factors Related to Multiple Sclerosis in Indian Population

<div><p>Background</p><p>Multiple sclerosis (MS) is less prevalent among Indians when compared to white populations. Genetic susceptibility remaining the same it is possible that environmental associations may have a role in determining disease prevalence.</p><p>Aims</p><p>To determine whether childhood infections, vaccination status, past infection with <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> (<i>H</i>.<i>pylori</i>), diet, socioeconomic and educational status were associated with MS.</p><p>Material and Methods</p><p>139 patients and 278 matched control subjects were selected. A validated environmental exposure questionnaire was administered. Estimation of serum <i>H</i>.<i>pylori</i> IgG antibody was done by ELISA. Patients and controls were genotyped for HLA-DRB1*15:01.</p><p>Results</p><p>In our cohort a significant association was seen with measles (<i>p</i> <0.007), vegetarian diet (<i>p</i> < 0.001, higher educational status (<i>p</i> <0.0001) and urban living (<i>p</i> <0.0001). An inverse relationship was seen with <i>H</i>.<i>Pylori</i> infection and MS (<i>p</i> <0.001). Measles infection (OR 6.479, CI 1.21- 34.668, <i>p</i>< 0.029) and high educational status (OR 3.088, CI 1.212- 7.872, <i>p</i>< 0.018) were significant risk factors associated with MS. <i>H</i>.<i>pylori</i> infection was inversely related to MS (OR 0. 319, CI 0.144- 0.706, <i>p</i> <0.005).</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>Environmental influences may be important in determining MS prevalence.</p></div

Demographic and Clinical features

<p>RR = Relapsing Remitting, SP = Secondary progressive, NA = Not applicable</p><p>.</p

Environmental profile in Multiple Sclerosis patients and healthy controls.

<p>Environmental profile in Multiple Sclerosis patients and healthy controls.</p