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HHV-6 infection in multiple sclerosis. A clinical and laboratory analysis
J Pietiläinen1, J O Virtanen, L Uotila
1Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Background And Purpose:
To elucidate the role of human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) in the development of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Patients And Methods:
Nine patients with MS and with acute or chronic HHV-6 infection were evaluated.
Results:
Intrathecal antibody production to HHV-6 and oligoclonal IgG bands in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was observed in two patients with a clinically definite MS and chronic HHV-6 infection (based on the presence of HHV-6 specific antibodies in the CSF). A temporal association between the symptoms of clinically possible MS and acute primary HHV-6A infection (based on avidity of HHV-6 specific antibodies) was observed in two patients.
Conclusions:
Human herpesvirus-6 infection may be an associated agent in some MS cases. Viral studies are needed to identify a possible viral etiology and give specific therapy.
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