Context:
Recent research showed DNA from ancient Europeans revealing surprising multiple sclerosis origins.
Key Findings:
- Affects the function of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system)
- Cause for regional variations in traits- differences in migrants’ dispersal patterns
- Super powered immune system or genetic variants helped ancient people to survive plagues and common pathogens.
Multiple Sclerosis:
- Neurological disease
- Autoimmune disorder that the body mistakenly attacks itself
- Permanent damage or deterioration of the nerve fibers.
- Caused by – attacks on myelin (fatty insulation that surrounds the nerves)
- Factors for cause –
- Virus – Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
- Genetic mutations
- Environmental factors – less sunlight (low vitamin D)
- Global occurrence –
- About 1.8 million
- Canada, Northern United States, Most of northern Europe
- Occurrence in India – cold areas, Chandigarh
- Treatments –
- Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs)
- Relapse management medications
- Physical rehabilitation
- Mental health counselling
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
1. In tropical regions, Zika virus disease is transmitted by the same mosquito that transmits dengue.
2. Sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2019 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c)
