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Prevalence of Cytomegalovirus in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Case-Control Study in Northern Iran
Saeideh Najafi1, Masood Ghane1, Vahdat Poortahmasebi2
1Department of Microbiology, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Mazandaran, IR Iran.
Background:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic debilitating disease known as one of the most common neurological dysfunctions in young adults. Recent studies suggest that infections with herpesviruses play a critical role in the pathogenesis of MS.
Objectives:
The present investigation aimed to detect the presence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in patients with MS using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods.
Patients And Methods:
Plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from MS patients (n = 82) and from blood donors as control group (n = 89). They were tested for the presence of CMV antibodies and DNA by ELISA and PCR, respectively.
Results:
Anti-CMV was positive in 65 (79.3%) and 69 (77.5%) of the MS patients and healthy subjects, respectively (P= 0.853). Similarly, 23 (28%) and 2 (2.2%) patients were positive for CMV DNA among the MS and control groups, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that the frequency of CMV DNA in the MS patients was significantly higher than in the healthy controls (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
The results of this study showed a possible association between CMV infection and MS. Further experimental and epidemiological studies using case-control approaches are needed to confirm this association.
Insights
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA was significantly more frequent in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients compared to healthy individuals. This suggests a potential link between CMV infection and MS pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.
- Herpesvirus infections are increasingly implicated in the development of MS.
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common herpesvirus with potential neuroinflammatory effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS).
- To utilize Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for CMV detection.
Main Methods:
- Collected plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 82 MS patients and 89 healthy controls.
- Tested samples for CMV antibodies using ELISA and CMV DNA using PCR.
- Analyzed data to compare CMV prevalence between MS patients and the control group.
Main Results:
- Antibodies against CMV were found in a similar proportion of MS patients (79.3%) and controls (77.5%).
- CMV DNA was detected in 28% of MS patients, significantly higher than in controls (2.2%).
- The statistical analysis confirmed a significant association between CMV DNA presence and MS (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- The study indicates a potential association between Cytomegalovirus infection and multiple sclerosis.
- Further research, including case-control studies, is warranted to validate this association.
- These findings contribute to understanding the role of viral infections in MS etiology.
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