Space-time clustering of multiple sclerosis cases around birth

Objectives – To investigate whether infectious events around birth and during early infancy are likely to be of relevance in MS pathogenesis. Subjects and methods – Data are available from two regions in The Netherlands: Groningen ( n =320) and Rotterdam ( n =226). Simultaneous clustering in birth date and birth location of MS cases is tested by the methods of Mantel, Knox and Jacquez. Results – No evidence was found for a space-time interaction between place and time of birth. Conclusion – Perinatal infectious events are unlikely to be a major factor in determining MS susceptibility.