Canine Distemper Virus and Multiple Sclerosis
Virus Causing Distemper in Dogs Possibly Linked to MS in People
May 31, 2009
Multiple sclerosis (MS) in people is a neurological disease with an autoimmune component and a multifactorial cause. One recent theory discussed by Dr. JA Lincoln and his associates in the August, 2008 Neurol Clin proposes that adult exposure to an infectious organism could lead to an immune response which could subsequently cause symptoms of MS. They also theorize that exposure to these infectious agents early in life could lead to protection against multiple sclerosis later in life.
The Link Between Canine Distemper Virus and Multiple Sclerosis
Dr. Lincoln and his associates have examined the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and the canine distemper virus (CDV) as potential candidates for playing a part in the development of multiple sclerosis. Their epidemiologic data seem to support a link between both the EBV virus and the CDV virus and the development of clinical multiple sclerosis.
- The incidence of multiple sclerosis is lower in developing countries than in more industrialized countries, leading researchers to believe that less effective sanitation, which leads to exposure to greater numbers of infectious agents, may result in fewer cases of multiple sclerosis.
- Areas experiencing lower prevalences of multiple sclerosis generally have exposure to the Epstein-Barr virus at an earlier age, whereas those areas in which infection with Epstein-Barr virus occurs later in life have higher prevalences of multiple sclerosis.
- Clusters of cases of multiple sclerosis have been documented in areas which have also experienced outbreaks with the Epstein-Barr virus.
- Some patients experiencing onset of multiple sclerosis reported increased exposure to dogs prior to onset of disease.
- Some patients experiencing multiple sclerosis had contact with dogs infected with the canine distemper virus.
- There is a possible increase in multiple sclerosis prevalence in areas where dogs are kept indoors more frequently.
This evidence is far from being conclusive of the theory of a link between multiple sclerosis and canine distemper virus or Epstein-Barr virus and more research is necessary. However, identification of an infectious agent could aid researchers in finding effective therapeutic options or even a cure for multiple sclerosis.
The Importance of Vaccination Against Canine Distemper Virus
Vaccines against canine distemper virus are extremely effective in preventing distemper in dogs and puppies. Distemper in dogs, especially in puppies, is a serious and often fatal disease. For this reason alone, vaccination is recommended for all dogs and puppies. However, the theory that there may be a link between canine distemper virus and multiple sclerosis indicates that there may be some public health significance associated with the CDV virus. This makes vaccination of dogs for canine distemper virus even more important.
Vaccines for canine distemper virus should be started for puppies at 6-8 weeks of age and should be administered every 2-4 weeks until the puppy has reached an age of 14-16 weeks of age. Vaccination against canine distemper should be repeated one year following the last puppy immunization and then repeated at one to three year intervals, depending on the protocol of the administering veterinarian.
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