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Evaluation of reactive Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) in Iranian patient with different subtypes of multiple sclerosis (MS)
Nourollah Ramroodi1, Abbas Ali Niazi, Nima Sanadgol
1Department of Neurology, Zahedan University of Medical Science, Zahedan, Iran.
Objectives:
Epstein-Barr virus has been recently associated with the onset of multiple sclerosis, yet understanding how it elicits autoimmunity remains elusive. We investigated the relation between Epstein-Barr virus reactivation and disease development in different subtypes of multiple sclerosis.
Methods:
In the present research, we have determined the Epstein-Barr virus-DNA load by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Epstein-Barr virus antibody levels by EIA technique in both multiple sclerosis patients (n=78) and healthy controls (n=123).
Results:
Our results demonstrated increased titer of both anti-Epstein-Barr virus-IgG and IgM antibodies in patients (91.02% vs 82.11% in controls, p<0.001 and 14.1% vs 4.06% in controls, p<0.001, respectively). Overall, Epstein-Barr virus reactivation was found in 68.75% of subtypes of multiple sclerosis, 4.54% of multiple sclerosis primary subtype, and in only 3.25% of healthy control subjects. Moreover, in samples of patients with disease relapse (exacerbation) cell free viral DNA was elevated in contrast to other patients (p<0.001).
Conclusions:
These findings provide further support for the detrimental effects of Epstein-Barr virus in the reactivation of multiple sclerosis attacks.
Insights
Epstein-Barr virus reactivation is linked to multiple sclerosis (MS) attacks. Elevated Epstein-Barr virus antibodies and DNA indicate increased reactivation in MS patients, especially during relapses.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Virology
- Autoimmune Diseases
Background:
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is increasingly associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis.
- The precise mechanisms by which EBV triggers autoimmunity in MS remain unclear.
- Investigating EBV reactivation in different MS subtypes is crucial for understanding disease development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the correlation between Epstein-Barr virus reactivation and disease progression in various multiple sclerosis subtypes.
- To quantify EBV-DNA load and EBV antibody levels in MS patients and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to determine Epstein-Barr virus-DNA load.
- Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) technique measured Epstein-Barr virus antibody levels (IgG and IgM).
- Study included 78 multiple sclerosis patients and 123 healthy controls.
Main Results:
- MS patients exhibited significantly higher titers of anti-Epstein-Barr virus-IgG and IgM antibodies compared to controls (p<0.001).
- Epstein-Barr virus reactivation was detected in 68.75% of MS subtypes, significantly higher than in healthy controls (3.25%).
- Elevated cell-free viral DNA was observed in MS patients experiencing disease relapse (p<0.001).
Conclusions:
- Findings support a detrimental role for Epstein-Barr virus reactivation in triggering multiple sclerosis relapses.
- This study highlights EBV reactivation as a potential factor in MS exacerbations.
- Further research into EBV's role in MS autoimmunity is warranted.
