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Multiple sclerosis and human herpesvirus 6

J Gutiérrez1, M J Vergara, M Guerrero

  • 1Dept. of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital San Cecilio, Granada, Spain. josegf@ugr.es

Infection
|July 18, 2002
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study found no human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) DNA in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, but detected elevated antibodies against HHV-6. Viral reactivation is a potential environmental factor in MS.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Virology

Background:

  • A potential link between herpesviruses and multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms is under investigation.
  • Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is a recent focus in MS research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence of HHV-6 DNA.
  • To analyze antibody synthesis against HHV-6, CMV, and EBV in MS patients' serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Main Methods:

  • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) were employed.
  • 211 samples (139 sera, 72 CSF) were analyzed from MS patients and controls.
  • Three groups included paired serum/CSF from MS patients, paired serum/CSF from non-MS neurological disease patients, and MS patient serum for follow-up.

Main Results:

  • No HHV-6 DNA was detected in any samples.
  • Elevated anti-HHV-6 IgG and IgA levels were observed in MS patient sera.
  • High concentrations of anti-HHV-6 IgG, IgA, and IgM were found in follow-up MS sera.

Conclusions:

  • The presence of HHV-6 antibodies in MS patients suggests a possible viral reactivation.
  • Viral reactivation may act as an environmental factor contributing to MS.

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