Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Quantification of Autoreactive Antibodies in Mice upon Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Published on: December 1, 2023
Relevance of immunological variables in neuroborreliosis and multiple sclerosis
J Bednárová1, P Stourac, P Adam
1Department of Clinical Microbiology, Faculty Hospital, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
Objectives:
The aims were to investigate the frequency of intrathecal synthesis of specific antibodies against measles (M), rubella (R) and varicella zoster (Z) viruses (MRZ reaction) as a diagnostic marker between multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuroborreliosis (NB) groups and to postulate the most typical cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) variables profile of these entities.
Methods:
Three cohorts of patients were investigated: MS (n = 42), NB (n = 27) and other neurological diseases (OND) (n = 15). Measles, rubella, varicella zoster and borrelia-specific IgG antibodies were measured by ELISA, Q(alb) (CSF/serum albumin ratio) as a marker of blood-CSF barrier function and specific antibody indices (AI) were calculated according to relevant formulae. IgG oligoclonal bands (OB) were detected by isoelectric focusing and immunoenzymatic staining.
Results:
Eighty-eight percent of MS patients had positive MRZ reaction and 26.2% had positive anti-borrelia AI. Eighty-nine percent of NB patients had positive anti-borrelia AI and two patients had individually anti-measles and rubella positive AI. MS-CSF variables profile included the presence of IgG OB in 81%, elevated Q(alb) in 31% and normal cell count in 66.7%. Of NB patients IgG OB were positive in 74%, elevated Q(alb) in 81.5% and normal cell count in 7.4%.
Conclusion:
MRZ reaction was proved as statistically significant marker in differential diagnosis between MS and NB. Typical CSF variables profile of these two entities is highly supportive, especially when MRZ is included.
Insights
The measles, rubella, and varicella zoster (MRZ) reaction is a significant diagnostic marker for differentiating multiple sclerosis (MS) from neuroborreliosis (NB). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) profiles further support this distinction.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Differentiating multiple sclerosis (MS) from neuroborreliosis (NB) is clinically challenging.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is crucial for diagnosing neurological disorders.
- Intrathecal antibody synthesis is a key indicator in several neurological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the intrathecal synthesis of antibodies against measles, rubella, and varicella zoster viruses (MRZ reaction) as a diagnostic marker between MS and NB.
- To identify characteristic CSF profiles for MS and NB.
Main Methods:
- Investigated three patient cohorts: MS (n=42), NB (n=27), and other neurological diseases (OND, n=15).
- Measured measles, rubella, varicella zoster, and borrelia-specific IgG antibodies using ELISA.
- Calculated specific antibody indices (AI), CSF/serum albumin ratio (Q(alb)), and detected IgG oligoclonal bands (OB).
Main Results:
- 88% of MS patients showed a positive MRZ reaction; 26.2% had positive anti-borrelia AI.
- 89% of NB patients had positive anti-borrelia AI.
- MS CSF profile: 81% IgG OB positive, 31% elevated Q(alb), 66.7% normal cell count.
- NB CSF profile: 74% IgG OB positive, 81.5% elevated Q(alb), 7.4% normal cell count.
Conclusions:
- The MRZ reaction is a statistically significant marker for the differential diagnosis between MS and NB.
- Distinct CSF variable profiles, particularly when including the MRZ reaction, strongly support the diagnosis of MS or NB.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:19Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction
01:26Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology