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Epstein-Barr Virus Infection in Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Awatef M Awwad1, Nesrine F Hanafi1, Ghada A Achmawi2
1Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
Abstract:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common inflammatory autoimmune CNS disease, with unknown etiology. We aimed to determine the coexistence of MS with antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus and its gene sequences (EBNA1 and BHRF1). The study included 60 MS patients and 60 control subjects. Serum samples were processed by ELISA for detection of EBV antibodies, and latent EBV genes were determined by Real Time PCR in blood samples. While 18 (30%) MS cases had anti- EBV IgM antibodies, all controls were free. For IgG, no difference was noted (cases 96.6% and controls 93.3%). BHFR1 gene was more detected in MS cases (66.6%) compared to controls (26.66%), P= 0.0019. However, no difference was noted regarding EBNA1 detection. In conclusion, a high prevalence of EBV past infection among Egyptian population was documented. Furthermore, IgM and BHRF1 were more detected in MS cases compared to controls.
Insights
This study found higher rates of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) IgM antibodies and the BHRF1 gene in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, suggesting a potential link between EBV infection and MS development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Virology
- Autoimmune Diseases
Background:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a prevalent inflammatory autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS) with an unknown cause.
- Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is a common human herpesvirus, and its potential role in the etiology of MS is under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the coexistence of MS with antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and its gene sequences (EBNA1 and BHRF1).
- To compare the prevalence of EBV markers between MS patients and healthy controls in an Egyptian population.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 60 MS patients and 60 controls were analyzed using ELISA for EBV antibodies (IgM and IgG).
- Latent EBV genes (EBNA1 and BHRF1) were detected in blood samples using Real-Time PCR.
Main Results:
- A significant difference was observed in the detection of anti-EBV IgM antibodies, with 30% of MS cases positive compared to 0% in controls.
- The BHRF1 gene was detected more frequently in MS cases (66.6%) than in controls (26.66%) (P=0.0019).
- No significant difference was found in the detection of EBNA1 or IgG antibodies between the groups.
Conclusions:
- The study documents a high prevalence of past EBV infection in the Egyptian population.
- Elevated levels of EBV-specific IgM antibodies and the BHRF1 gene in MS patients suggest a potential association between EBV infection and MS.
