MS in the Faroe Islands and the possible protective effect of early childhood exposure to the "MS agent"

Epidemiologic data on multiple sclerosis (MS) in the Faroe Islands have been interpreted by the original investigators as supporting a particular infectious disease model. They suggest that MS occurs as a late consequence of extended exposure to an infectious agent which cannot be transmitted to subjects younger than 11 years of age. However, the Faroes data may better fit an alternate model, in which MS results from delayed primary exposure to an infectious agent which more commonly produces benign illness and protection against MS in subjects who are exposed in infancy or early childhood.