Figure. 2010 Prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis per 100,000 Adults Cumulated Over 10 Years in the United States by Age, Sex, Race, Ethnicity, and US Geographic Census Region: Northeast (Region 1), Midwest (Region 2), South (Region 3), and West (Region 4)
According to a new study1 by researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, multiple sclerosis (MS) is more prevalent – particularly among Black Americans – than previously thought. Using de-identified health insurance claims of 96 million adults living in the United States, the research team was able to estimate in more detail how many individuals age 18 and older are living with MS and the prevalence rates among people of different races or ethnicities living in specific regions. (Figure)
The study found strong evidence of a higher prevalence of MS across the northern regions of the US compared to southern regions, potentially related to the spread of viruses in colder climates where people remain indoors more or lower vitamin D levels from less sun exposure.
While several studies2 have linked low vitamin D levels with increased risk of MS, a recently released study3 found that the common Epstein-Barr virus infection greatly increased the risk for developing MS by demonstrating that antibodies made by the body against the virus attack a vital protein in the brain and spinal cord.
In terms of prevalence among sub-groups, MS occurs in about 4 in 1,000 white people, about 3 in 1,000 Black people, about 2 in 1,000 people of “other races” including Asians, Native Americans, Alaska natives and multi-race individuals, and about 1.5 in 1,000people of Hispanic/Latinx origin.
Sources:
1. Hittle M, Culpepper WJ, Langer-Gould A, et al. Population-based estimates for the prevalence of multiple sclerosis in the United States by race, ethnicity, age, sex, and geographic region. JAMA Neurol. 2023;80(7):693–701. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2023.1135.
2. Sintzel MB, Rametta M, Reder AT. Vitamin D and multiple sclerosis: a comprehensive review. Neurol Ther. 2018;7(1):59-85. doi: 10.1007/s40120-017-0086-4.
3. Thomas OG, Bronge M, Tenvall K, et al. Cross-reactive EBNA1 immunity targets alpha-crystallin B and is associated with multiple sclerosis. Sci Adv. 2023 May 19;9(20):eadg3032. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adg3032.
