Increased MS and EBV Seroprevalence in Middle Eastern and North African Populations
A meta-analysis of 131 studies found that multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) increased to 51.02 per 100,000, while Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) seroprevalence rose to 75%. The MS prevalence grew from 12 per 100,000 in studies before 2000 to 58 per 100,000 from 2011 to 2022.
- Tags
- #MSResearch
- Most relevant to
- —
- Human efficacy
- Not established from this source
- Mechanism
- EBV
- Evidence strength
- Moderate
- Outcome
- Not reported
Why it matters
Understanding the rising prevalence of MS alongside EBV exposure is crucial for public health and future research on MS risk factors in the MENA region.
What this does not prove
There was extreme heterogeneity among studies, with significant differences in geography, populations, methods, and diagnostic approaches.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Meta-analysis
- Participants / samples
- 131 · basis not reported
- Randomised
- Not reported
- Controlled
- Not reported
- Primary endpoint met
- Not reported
- Relevant MS type
- Not reported
- Publication date
- 2026-10-24
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Not classified
- Biological target
- Not reported
- Pathway
- Not reported
- Population
- Middle East and North Africa (MENA) healthy populations
- Size of effect
- Not reported
- Secondary endpoints
- Not reported
- MRI endpoints
- Not reported
- Biomarkers
- Not reported
- Safety
- Not reported
Original sources
- Primary evidenceMapping the prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus and multiple sclerosis in Middle East and North Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. ↗DOI: 10.1007/s13365-026-01346-2
Supporting passages (10)
subjectsMeSH terms: Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Africa, Northern; Middle East; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections; Herpesvirus 4, Human; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Prevalence; Antibodies, Viral; Female; Immunoglobulin G; Male; Middle Eastern People
speciesMeSH terms: Humans
sample sizeOf 4,323 records identified, 131 studies were included.
publication datePublication date: 2026-10-24
populationMultiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence has increased to medium-to-high levels in several countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), while Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) exposure as one of the most consistently reported MS risk factors is common throughout the region.
findingsThe pooled MS prevalence was 51.02 per 100,000 population, and the pooled EBV VCA-IgG seroprevalence was 75%.
limitationsBetween-study heterogeneity was extreme for both outcomes (I2 = 100%), reflecting substantial variation in geography, populations, study methods, diagnostic approaches, and study periods.
mechanismsThis systematic review and meta-analysis descriptively mapped published estimates of MS prevalence and EBV seroprevalence alongside each other in MENA countries.
peer reviewedPublication types: Journal Article; Systematic Review; Meta-Analysis; Review
study designPublication types: Journal Article; Systematic Review; Meta-Analysis; Review
AI assessment, not yet reviewed by a person · version 1 · Community votes are separate from evidence review.