[An analysis of an effect of infectious diseases and diet factors on the risk of multiple sclerosis in the population of the Republic North Ossetia - Alania].

: Objective. To carry out the first in the Republic North Ossetia - Alania clinical epidemiological study of environmental risk factors for multiple sclerosis (MS) in the indigenous population. Material and methods. We have analyzed results of a questionnaire survey of 110 patients with MS and 110 matched controls. Results. We have identified statistically significant differences between the type of diet of MS patients and controls in different age periods, as well as the most significant infectious risk factors for MS. Conclusion. MS is a chronic autoimmune disease caused by the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Among the environmental factors, infectious diseases and type of diet play the most important role.