Southern Italy is a high risk area for MS  (3/28/2008)

Southern Italy is a high risk area for multiple sclerosis (MS), showed the results of a study published in January in European Journal of Neurology. This conclusion might lead to re-examination of the theory for relationship between MS prevalence and latitude in Europe. 

“Many MS prevalence studies in Italian northern and central areas, since 1980, have put Italy in a high risk zone; none concerns southern Italy,” the research team noted. 

To estimate the MS prevalence in Southern Italy, the authors reviewed the MS registry of Salerno Center, which includes the city and 16 towns with 259 681 population. A total of 186 MS cases were identified (55 males, 131 females). 

The crude total prevalence in Southern Italy is 71/100 000 population, ranging from 50/100 000 (Oliveto Citra) to 431/100 000 (Controne). The incidence rate ranged from 2.3/100 000 (1991-1995) to 4.3/100 000 (2001-2005). 

Genetic factors play an important role in determining prevalence in Europe. The direct relationship between MS prevalence and latitude in Europe is to be re-examined after the finding of a higher prevalence in Italy. 

“This emphasizes that the results, except for Sardinia, are comparable to Italian literature data,” the investigators wrote. “They confirm that this territory is a high risk area for MS”. 

The conclusion of authors is that “there is also an indirect indication against a latitude gradient for MS”. 

Infonicks, March 2008 

References: Iuliano G., Napoletano R. Prevalence and incidence of multiple sclerosis in Salerno (southern Italy) and its province. European Journal of Neurology 2008; 15 (1): 73–76 www.blackwell-syenrgie.com