EBNA-1 IgG titers in Sardinian multiple sclerosis patients and controls

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is thought to be triggered by environmental factors acting on a genetic predisposition. Sardinians share a homogeneous genetic background and boast one of the highest MS prevalence worldwide. We investigated Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibody prevalence in Sardinian population by ELISA. Our results show a higher serum prevalence of EBNA-1 IgG in MS patients compared to healthy controls. Moreover, analyzing a subset of patients treated for 6 months with IFN-β, we observed a decrease in their EBNA-1 specific IgG titers. These results confirm previous findings and strengthen the association between EBV and MS in Sardinia.