What Does Herpes (Virus) Have To Do With MS?

The herpes families of viruses are DNA viruses that once inside our bodies persist for the rest of our lives. Although herpes simplex type I (HSV-1) and type II (HSV-2) can live in neurons and seem to be protected by them, there is no evidence that they or another family of herpes viruses (cytomegaloviruses) have any potential role in the causation or reactivation of MS.

Although another herpes virus (the chickenpox or zoster virus) can cause demyelination in rare circumstances, this virus has no demonstrated role in MS. In the last few years, attention has turned to other herpes viruses, specifically the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and herpes simplex virus 6 (HSV-6).