This review evaluated ethnic disparities in the incidence and prevalence of Multiple sclerosis (MS).

Ethnicities were classified as White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Middle Eastern and North African (MENA). A search was conducted using PubMed to identify articles on MS and ethnicity published in English language, between 01/01/2005 and 31/05/2022. 

We identified fourteen studies on MS incidence and twenty-two on prevalence, which revealed that the incidence and prevalence of MS varied not only between ethnicities, but also depended upon the country of study.   

In the US, individuals of Black ethnicity had equivalent or greater MS incidence and prevalence compared to White ethnicity. Conversely, European papers revealed lower MS incidence and prevalence among individuals of Black ethnicity compared to those of White background. Remarkably, in both US and European research, individuals of Black ethnicity had similar or greater MS incidence and prevalence compared to those of Asian ethnicity. In Africa, MS incidence and prevalence were lower in individuals of Black ethnicity compared to White and Asian ethnicities.

In US studies, Hispanic individuals consistently displayed significantly lower MS prevalence compared to those from White and Black ethnicities, but higher prevalence than in Asian individuals. Additionally, both US and European research reported lower incidence and prevalence of MS in individuals of Asian ethnicity than in those of White ethnicity. Moreover, a European study revealed that MS prevalence in individuals from MENA backgrounds was lower than in those of White ethnicity, while another study in a MENA country reported similar MS prevalence between the two ethnicities. 

Additional research to understand these ethnic disparities in MS is crucial in identifying underlying causes, allowing the delivery of personalised care, and mitigating potential inequity.