Do Common Cold Viruses Cause Multiple Sclerosis Attacks?
SALT LAKE CITY — University of Utah School of Medicine physicians are seeking people with multiple sclerosis (MS) to take part in a study of the specific viruses responsible for common colds and their relationship to MS “attacks” or relapses. University doctors want to enroll approximately 60 MS patients with colds who have experienced nasal or respiratory symptoms for only one or two days. Participants will be asked to come to the University of Utah Neurology Clinic, provide informed consent, samples of blood and nasal mucus, and undergo a neurological examination. One or more additional visits will be required during the subsequent five weeks. There is no cost to participate. “This is a good opportunity for people with MS to contribute to locally conducted research into the causes of MS attacks,” said John D. Kriesel, M.D., the study’s principal investigator and assistant professor of internal medicine in infectious diseases. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is funding the re
