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Relationship of human herpes virus 6 and multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Ali Pormohammad1, Taher Azimi1, Fateme Falah1
1Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Infection with human herpes viruses has been suggested to contribute to multiple sclerosis (MS), while interaction between human herpes 6 (HHV6) and MS remain unclear yet. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis on the relationship of HHV6 infection and MS. All related studies were collected from major databases. The analyses were performed by STATA 14 and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis V2.0 softwares. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95%CIs were calculated from the raw data of the including studies by the random effects models when I2 > 50% and fix model when I2 < 50%. Thirty nine studies were included in the meta-analysis that 34 studies used molecular assays and 7 studies used serological assays for diagnosis of HHV6 infected cases. The relationship of HHV6 and MS was significant in healthy control group by yielding a summary OR of (2.23 [1.5-3.3], p = 0.06). A significant HHV6 association with MS were in the studies with >6 score that used serum/blood sample with OR of (6.7 [95%CI 4.8-8.6], p < 0.00001) and in serological studies, IgM positive titer in other neurological diseases (OND) control group was significant with OR of (8.3 [95%CI 3-24.07], p < 0.00001). This study has been showed that there were significant relationship between MS and HHV6 infection.
Insights
This meta-analysis reveals a significant link between human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6) infection and multiple sclerosis (MS). The findings suggest HHV6 may play a role in the development of MS, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Neurovirology
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Human herpesviruses are implicated in various neurological conditions.
- The specific role of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6) in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis remains incompletely understood.
- Understanding viral contributions to MS is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis evaluating the association between HHV6 infection and MS.
- To synthesize evidence from existing studies using both molecular and serological assays.
- To determine the pooled odds ratio (OR) and confidence intervals (CIs) for HHV6 infection in MS patients compared to controls.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search across major databases for relevant studies.
- Inclusion of 39 studies employing molecular and serological diagnostic methods for HHV6.
- Statistical analysis using random-effects or fixed-effects models based on heterogeneity (I²).
- Calculation of pooled ORs and 95% CIs using STATA 14 and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis V2.0 software.
Main Results:
- A significant association between HHV6 infection and MS was observed in the healthy control group (OR = 2.23, p = 0.06).
- Studies utilizing serum/blood samples with a score >6 showed a strong association (OR = 6.7, p < 0.00001).
- Serological studies indicated a significant association in the other neurological diseases (OND) control group for IgM positive titer (OR = 8.3, p < 0.00001).
Conclusions:
- The meta-analysis provides significant evidence supporting a relationship between HHV6 infection and multiple sclerosis.
- HHV6 infection is a potential contributing factor in MS development.
- Further research is recommended to elucidate the precise mechanisms of HHV6 involvement in MS pathogenesis.
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