Evidence of Clostridium perfringens epsilon toxin associated with multiple sclerosis.

Background: It was recently reported that, using Western blotting, some multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in the United States had antibodies against epsilon toxin (Etx) from Clostridium perfringens, suggesting that the toxin may play a role in the disease.

Objective: We investigated for serum antibodies against Etx in UK patients with clinically definite multiple sclerosis (CDMS) or presenting with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) or optic neuritis (ON) and in age- and gender-matched controls.

Methods: We tested sera from CDMS, CIS or ON patients or controls by Western blotting.

Patient assessment of an electronic device for subcutaneous self-injection of interferon β-1a for multiple sclerosis: an observational study in the UK and Ireland.

Background: Injectable disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) reduce the number of relapses and delay disability progression in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Regular self-injection can be stressful and impeded by MS symptoms. Auto-injection devices can simplify self-injection, overcome injection-related issues, and increase treatment satisfaction.