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Infectious agents and multiple sclerosis--are Chlamydia pneumoniae and human herpes virus 6 involved?
Robert H Swanborg1, Judith A Whittum-Hudson, Alan P Hudson
1Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Gordon H. Scott Hall, 540 East Canfield Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
Abstract:
A good deal of evidence suggests an infectious component in the development of multiple sclerosis (MS) and, to date, some 20 bacteria and viruses have been associated with the disease. Recent independent sets of studies have implicated the respiratory bacterium Chlamydia pneumoniae and human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6) in the pathogenesis of MS. However, as is the case for essentially all earlier microbial associations, experimental evidence linking either this bacterium or this virus to MS is equivocal. We review the published reports concerning involvement of C. pneumoniae and HHV-6 in MS, and data relating to possession of the APOE epsilon 4 allele, which some studies indicate might influence how these or other pathogens affect disease genesis. Based on the large set of inconsistent observations available and given important new information regarding the neuropathology of MS, we contend that no conclusion is possible at this point regarding the potential role of either C. pneumoniae or HHV-6 in MS. We therefore propose future studies that should clarify whether, and if so how, these and other organisms function in the pathogenesis of this disease.
Insights
Evidence linking Chlamydia pneumoniae and human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6) to multiple sclerosis (MS) is inconclusive. Further research is needed to determine if these or other infectious agents play a role in MS pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis is suspected to involve infectious agents.
- Numerous bacteria and viruses have been previously linked to MS.
- Recent studies implicate Chlamydia pneumoniae and human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6) in MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on the association between C. pneumoniae, HHV-6, and MS.
- To evaluate the role of the APOE epsilon 4 allele in pathogen-induced MS.
- To determine the current evidence for C. pneumoniae and HHV-6 in MS pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of published reports.
- Analysis of studies investigating C. pneumoniae and HHV-6 in MS.
- Consideration of genetic factors, including APOE epsilon 4 allele.
Main Results:
- Existing evidence linking C. pneumoniae and HHV-6 to MS is equivocal.
- Inconsistent observations exist regarding microbial involvement in MS.
- The neuropathology of MS provides new context for these associations.
Conclusions:
- No definitive conclusion can be drawn regarding the role of C. pneumoniae or HHV-6 in MS.
- Future studies are necessary to elucidate the potential involvement of these and other organisms in MS pathogenesis.