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Risk factors for multiple sclerosis and associations with anti-EBV antibody titers
Tarek H Mouhieddine1, Hala Darwish1, Lama Fawaz1
1Multiple Sclerosis Center, Abu Haidar Neuroscience Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
Abstract:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelination of the central nervous system. We investigated the prevalence of EBV seropositivity and other known risk factors for MS (age, smoking, low vitamin D) and their effect on anti-EBV antibody titers. We retrospectively studied 249 MS patients receiving care at the American University of Beirut Medical Center and 230 controls, during 2010-2014. EBV seropositivity was higher in MS patients compared to controls for both anti-VCA (99.5%; 97.2%) and anti-EBNA-1 (96.3%; 89.4%), and the titers were significantly higher in MS patients. MS patients had a significantly lower vitamin D level (15.5 ± 8.3 ng/ml) compared to controls (20.4 ± 11.3 ng/ml). The proportion of heavy smokers and overweight individuals was significantly higher in MS patients. Lebanese MS patients have risk factors similar to those in western countries. Older age and female gender were associated with a higher anti-VCA titer and male gender with a higher anti-EBNA-1.
Insights
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) seropositivity and higher anti-EBV antibody titers are linked to multiple sclerosis (MS). Risk factors like low vitamin D and smoking are also prevalent in Lebanese MS patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system inflammatory demyelinating disease.
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a suspected environmental trigger for MS.
- Known MS risk factors include age, smoking, and low vitamin D levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate EBV seropositivity and antibody titers in Lebanese MS patients.
- To assess the prevalence of other MS risk factors in this population.
- To determine the association between EBV titers and MS risk factors.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 249 MS patients and 230 controls from 2010-2014.
- Analysis of EBV seropositivity (anti-VCA, anti-EBNA-1) and antibody titers.
- Comparison of vitamin D levels, smoking status, and BMI between MS patients and controls.
Main Results:
- Higher EBV seropositivity (anti-VCA and anti-EBNA-1) and significantly higher antibody titers in MS patients versus controls.
- MS patients exhibited significantly lower vitamin D levels (15.5 vs. 20.4 ng/ml).
- Increased prevalence of heavy smoking and overweight individuals among MS patients.
- Older age and female gender correlated with higher anti-VCA titers; male gender with higher anti-EBNA-1 titers.
Conclusions:
- Lebanese MS patients share similar risk factors with Western populations.
- EBV infection and specific risk factors are significantly associated with MS in Lebanon.
- Findings support EBV's role in MS pathogenesis and highlight the need for targeted prevention strategies.
