Monkey MS suggests human disease may be caused by a virus
Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2011 12:29 am
In 1986, an unknown disease began killing monkeys at the Oregon National Primate Research Center in Hillsboro. Affected animals developed an unsteady gait and a rapidly advancing paralysis of the limbs. Caregivers could do nothing to stop the disease and euthanized most of the helpless animals within a week of symptom onset.
The disease, researchers now report, is the monkey equivalent of multiple sclerosis. And it appears to be caused by a virus – adding support to the possibility that multiple sclerosis in humans can be triggered by a viral infection. Experts say the discovery could help expedite the search for more effective treatments.
"That's the ultimate goal," said co-author Scott Wong, a scientist at the primate center and Oregon Health & Science University's Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute....... Read More - http://www.msrc.co.uk/index.cfm/fuseact ... ageid/1680