An 'epidemic' of multiple sclerosis and falling infection rates? Reflecting on comparisons made and the rising multiple sclerosis incidence in Bach's 2002 New England Journal of Medicine figure.

We encourage the scientific community to apply rigorous, consistent methods in order to confirm or refute whether a strong, direct relationship does or does not exist between the incidence of MS and infectious diseases. Further, our article highlights a major knowledge gap that would benefit from a thorough review of the temporal trends related to MS incidence. Collation of this wide body of knowledge may provide a balanced understanding of this important topic and would best serve the progress of MS research.