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Association of Epstein-Barr virus infection with multiple sclerosis in India

Lekha Pandit1, Chaitra Malli, Anita D'Cunha

  • 1Center for Advanced Neurological Research, Nitte University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India. panditmng@gmail.com

Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|January 15, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study found no strong link between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and multiple sclerosis (MS) in Indian patients. However, high EBV antibody levels were associated with a specific gene (HLA DR15) in MS patients.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Virology
  • Immunogenetics

Background:

  • Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is highly prevalent in Indian populations from childhood.
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is relatively uncommon in India despite high EBV seroprevalence.
  • The potential role of EBV in MS pathogenesis requires further investigation in diverse populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and multiple sclerosis (MS) in Indian patients.
  • To explore the relationship between EBV antibody titers, MS, and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DRB1*1501 status.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 140 MS patients and 140 matched healthy controls.
  • Quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum Immunoglobin G (IgG) for EBV Nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1), EBV viral capsid antigen (EBV-VCA), and early antigen (EB-EA).
  • Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DRB1*1501 genotyping was performed on all participants.

Main Results:

  • Modest differences in EBNA1 (p=0.02) and EBV-VCA (p=0.03) antibody titers were observed between MS patients and controls.
  • No direct association was found between EBNA1 titers and MS.
  • High EBNA1 titers (>99.75U/l) were significantly associated with the HLA DRB1*15:01 allele in MS patients (OR=4.92), but not in healthy controls (OR=1.19).

Conclusions:

  • The study did not find strong evidence for a link between remote EBV infection and MS in the studied Indian cohort.
  • The HLA DR15 allele may be associated with elevated EBNA1 antibody titers in individuals with MS.
  • Further validation in larger, independent datasets is recommended to confirm these preliminary findings.

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