Genetic and Epidemiological Studies in Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory and demyelinating disease which affects the central nervous system. With a prevalence of ~1/1,000 in Canada, MS is the most common cause of non-traumatic neurological disability in young adults. MS is unsurpassed for variability in disease outcome. Genetic epidemiological studies Indicate a significant genetic component for susceptibility but with the single exception of the HLA class II region, the search for susceptibility genes has met with limited success. Familial studies also show a maternal effect in disease risk as well as suggesting a role for genetics In determining disease progression.