A connection between a "kissing" virus and debilitating condition multiple sclerosis (MS) has been found by new research.
MS is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that presents wide-ranging symptoms.
The causes of the condition have been investigated for decades, with few studies managing to produce any conclusive results, the Express reports.
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However a recent investigation involving US military personnel has implied a highly contagious 'kissing' disease could trigger MS.
Multiple sclerosis occurs when the body’s immune system learns to attack its own nerve fibres in the same fashion it learns to attack invading pathogens.
Harvard Scientists claim to have found "compelling evidence" the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is to blame.
EBV, also known as the kissing disease, is a member of the herpes family that affects nine in ten people over the course of their lifetime.
It is thought that the EBV virus causes the body's immune system to mistake parts of the nervous system as a foreign substance and attacks, causing damage and leading to the development of MS.
Researchers say the findings could pave the way to effective treatment, which could largely eradicate the condition that currently afflicts 100,000 people in the UK.
Professor Alberto Ascherio, author of the study, said: “The hypothesis that EBV causes MS has been investigated by our group and others for several years.
“But this is the first study providing compelling evidence of causality.
“This is a big step because it suggests that most MS cases could be prevented by stopping EBV infection.
“Targeting EBV could lead to the discovery of a cure for MS."
The findings, published in the journal Science, stem from blood samples collected from 10 million soldiers in the US military.
Doctor Clare Walton told MailOnline that nine in 10 people worldwide end up being infected with EBV. Most, however, do not go on to develop MS.
She said: “Ultimately, we can’t be certain that EBV is causing MS until we can see what impact preventing EBV infection has on MS incidence.
“And while research into EBV vaccines is underway, it is still at an early stage.”
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