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Role of early viral infections in development of multiple sclerosis

Jasminka Djelilovic-Vranic1, Azra Alajbegovic

  • 1Neurology Clinic, Clinical Center of University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Medical Archives (Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina)
|September 4, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Early viral infections, including herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and rubella virus, are significantly present in multiple sclerosis patients, suggesting a role in disease development.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Immunology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation, demyelination, and axonal degeneration.
  • Genetic predisposition and environmental factors, particularly early viral infections, are implicated in MS pathogenesis.
  • Long-acting viruses can remain latent, inducing immunological changes that may lead to autoimmune demyelination and MS symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the incidence of early infections with rubella virus, herpes simplex virus (HSV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
  • To analyze the presence of IgG and IgM antibodies against these viruses as indicators of past infection.

Main Methods:

  • The study included 118 newly diagnosed multiple sclerosis patients treated at the Neurology Clinic in Sarajevo between January 2009 and December 2011.
  • Standard diagnostic methods for MS were employed, including MRI, evoked potentials, and CSF examination.
  • Serological tests were performed to detect IgG and IgM antibodies against HSV, Rubella virus, CMV, and EBV to assess previous and current viral infections.

Main Results:

  • High IgG antibody titers for HSV (93.2%), CMV (86.44%), and EBV (83%) were observed in MS patients.
  • A significant proportion of patients also showed positive IgG antibodies for Rubella virus (61.01%).
  • IgM antibodies, indicative of recent infection, were found in very low percentages or were negative across the board for all tested viruses.

Conclusions:

  • Early exposure to herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and rubella virus is prevalent in multiple sclerosis patients.
  • These findings support the hypothesis that early viral infections play a significant role in the development of multiple sclerosis.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms by which these viruses contribute to MS pathogenesis.

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