Multiple sclerosis has been described for 300 years, and has been a clinical entity for 125 years. Drs. Stratton and Sriram suggested the infectious nature of MS was inescapable, because if it was a genetic disease the genetic cost would have eliminated MS from the population in 300 years. Stratton and Sriram reported chlamydia pneumonia is a likely trigger for MS and relapsing MS, alone or in combination with other pathogens.

MS has occurred in epidemics and clusters, and the incidence of MS is increasing. One study showed a higher incidence of MS in families with small indoor house pets, in the ten years prior to diagnosis. Birds, dogs, cats, hamsters, horses, rabbits, sheep, goats, snakes, and turtles can develop the same or similar central nervous system disorders. A 2015 study, in Greece, concluded H-pylori is a possible cause of MS. Bird ownership is known to create a higher risk for MS, which supports chlamydia psittacosis, alone or in combination, may cause MS.

A 2016 review article, by Dr. Stratton, stated regardless of which infectious triggers may be involved, MS should be considered to be an infectious syndrome that involves a neurodegenerative process resulting in an autoimmune disease. Identification of each potential infectious trigger early in the course of MS might allow appropriate antimicrobial intervention, as has been done with at least one of these triggers, chlamydia pneumoniae.

The incidence of MS is increasing in the U.S., because infectious causes are not recognized, and are not being diagnosed.

See https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/a-review-of-multiple-sclerosis-as-an-infectious-syndrome-2155-9562-1000400.php?aid=81405; Friedman, H. et al., 2004, Chlamydia pneumoniae Infection and Disease, Ch. 14.