Multiple sclerosis in the Faroe Islands: an epitome☆

摘要: The Faroe Islands are a semi-independent unit of the Kingdom Denmark and located in North Atlantic Ocean between Norway Iceland. Efforts to identify all cases multiple sclerosis (MS) since 1900 among Faroese have been continuing for over quarter century. As 1998 prevalence was 66 per 100,000, age adjusted 1960 US population, with rate 100 women 34 men. Median survival at 29 years no significant difference by sex. overseas residence indicated that least 2 exposure from 11 on high-risk area required acquisition MS. Among native resident first instance symptom onset 1943, heralding type 1 epidemic 21 cases. This followed three successive epidemics 10, 13 cases, membership each defined calendar time exposure. Age I 45 years; later minimum. We believe source MS Faroes their occupation British troops 5 World War II. think they introduced widespread, specific, persistent (but unknown) infection, probably asymptomatic, which we call primary affection (PMSA). Only small proportion those affected PMSA will show any clinical signs Models transmission through cohorts fit data II III, predicted occurrence IV. provide an ideal location determine nature PMSA, disease has remained geographically stable 50 without further spread throughout islands.