There have been recent reports linking the HHV-6 virus and
demyelination of white brain matter in patients
whose immune systems have been compromised by HIV. see
"HHV-6 Attacks the Central Nervous
System", Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency
Syndromes and Human Retrovirology
Vol. 9, No. 1,69-73 (1995)
The demyelination that is described bears a striking
resemblence to that experienced by suffers of multiple
sclerosis. Aslo there have been some recent reports
on findings of HHV-6 in key brain cells of MS patients
and not in non-suffers.
MS patients are currently being treated with
beta interferon, which has been shown to
slow progression. However, the underlying
mechanisms through which beta interferon works
are not well understood. I does have, among other
things, anti-viral properties.
Does anyone know if research is being done on the
connection between HIV, HHV-6, demyelination, and MS?
