The Occurrence of Multiple Sclerosis in the Hutterites of North America

OBJECTIVE: To report the occurrence, clinical characteristics and genealogical analysis of multiple sclerosis in the Hutterites of North-Western United States and Western Canada. BACKGROUND: The incidence of multiple sclerosis is reported to be lower or rare in certain ethnic groups and genetic isolates and was previously observed to be absent in the Hutterite population. METHODS: After long-term surveillance, six patients were identified and clinical examinations and laboratory investigations including VER and MRI were completed. RESULTS: The six cases included two brothers, two first cousins, male and female, another male and female, all representing two of the three endogamous groups of Hutterites, are linked to two common ancestors through lines of descent dating to 1723. The individual pedigrees were analyzed from extensive genealogical records covering eight generations. CONCLUSION: The incidence of multiple sclerosis in Hutterites is low in a high risk area of North America. A specific mode of inheritance pattern has not been established and a common founder effect may play a role in the development of multiple sclerosis. The genetic contribution of the Hutterites seems greater than previously recognized.