Fed:MS could be prevented with vaccine being trialled

The disease affects more than 18,000 Australians.

University of Queensland researchers confirmed on Wednesday a link between the Epstein-Barr virus which causes glandular fever and is carried by more than 90 per cent of the world's population and multiple sclerosis, Fairfax reports.

Researchers say the vaccine, developed to combat glandular fever, could save thousands of lives.

However, some doctors warn the vaccine has not been fully tested as a preventative for multiple sclerosis and does not take into account the influence of environmental and genetic factors.

People with a parent, child or sibling with multiple sclerosis are at greater risk of contracting the disease, previous studies have shown.