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Multiple sclerosis-associated retrovirus and optic neuritis

S Sotgiu1, G Arru, M Söderström

  • 1Institute of Clinical Neurology, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 10, 07100 Sassari, Italy. stefanos@uniss.it

Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|June 13, 2006
PubMed

Insights

The presence of MS-associated retrovirus (MSRV) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) did not predict conversion to definite multiple sclerosis (MS) as effectively as CSF and MRI abnormalities in optic neuritis patients.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Virology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • The MS-associated retrovirus (MSRV) has been investigated as a potential prognostic factor for the development of definite multiple sclerosis (MS) in early-stage patients.
  • Previous research suggests MSRV presence in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may indicate a higher risk of MS conversion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the predictive value of MSRV in CSF for conversion to MS in optic neuritis (ON) patients.
  • To compare the MSRV's predictive accuracy against established markers like MRI and CSF abnormalities.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of optic neuritis (ON) patients was studied.
  • Patients were assessed for the presence of MSRV in CSF.
  • Follow-up evaluations included monitoring for conversion to definite MS, alongside assessment of MRI and CSF abnormalities.

Main Results:

  • 33.3% of MSRV-positive ON patients developed MS, compared to 0% of MSRV-negative patients (P = 0.03).
  • The predictive value of MSRV was lower than that of CSF and MRI abnormalities, which predicted MS in 42.3% of cases.
  • Significant discrepancies in MSRV literature warrant further investigation.

Conclusions:

  • MSRV presence in CSF is not a superior predictor of MS conversion compared to conventional MRI and CSF findings in ON patients.
  • The study highlights the need to reconcile conflicting findings regarding MSRV's role in multiple sclerosis pathogenesis and prognosis.

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