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Evaluation of Epstein-Barr virus-specific antibodies in Cypriot multiple sclerosis patients
Elie Deeba1, Dana Koptides2, Efthychia Gaglia3
1Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.
Abstract:
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, demyelinating, inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) with a strong autoimmune component. Several genetic and environmental factors have been suggested to contribute in MS. The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is one pathogenic candidate proposed to be involved in the onset of MS and/or induction of subsequent exacerbations. The possible involvement of EBV in MS is highlighted by a number of national epidemiological studies showing a higher percentage of EBV seropositivity. This study aims to evaluate for the first time the seroprevalence of EBV in Cypriot MS patients. The serum of 133 MS patients and 101 healthy controls (HCs) was used to determine the positivity index of the EBV nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA-1) IgG, viral capsid antigen (VCA) IgG, and early antigen-D (EA-D) IgG, using ELISA. All MS patients were seropositive for both EBNA-1 IgG and VCA IgG as compared to 94.1% (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.0059) and 93.1% (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.0025) of HCs respectively. Furthermore, the positivity indexes of both antibodies were significantly higher in MS patients. There was no significant difference in the presence/absence of EA-D IgG between the two groups nor in the corresponding P.I. levels. The results obtained, revealing higher seropositivity of EBNA-1 IgG and VCA IgG in MS patients, seem to concur with previous findings of studies in other countries, thereby further asserting the theory of EBV involvement in MS.
Insights
This study found higher Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) seropositivity for EBV nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA-1) IgG and viral capsid antigen (VCA) IgG in Cypriot Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients compared to healthy controls, supporting EBV
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a CNS autoimmune disease with suspected genetic and environmental factors.
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a proposed factor in MS onset and exacerbations, supported by epidemiological studies showing increased EBV seropositivity.
- Previous research indicates a link between EBV and MS, necessitating further investigation in diverse populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the seroprevalence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in Cypriot Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients for the first time.
- To compare EBV serological markers, including EBV nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA-1) IgG, viral capsid antigen (VCA) IgG, and early antigen-D (EA-D) IgG, between MS patients and healthy controls.
- To evaluate the association between EBV infection and MS in the Cypriot population.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 133 MS patients and 101 healthy controls (HCs) were analyzed.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the positivity index (P.I.) of EBNA-1 IgG, VCA IgG, and EA-D IgG.
- Statistical analysis, including Fisher's exact test, was employed to compare seropositivity rates and P.I. levels between groups.
Main Results:
- All MS patients exhibited seropositivity for both EBNA-1 IgG and VCA IgG.
- Significantly higher positivity indexes for EBNA-1 IgG and VCA IgG were observed in MS patients compared to HCs (p<0.01).
- No significant difference was found in the presence or P.I. levels of EA-D IgG between MS patients and HCs.
Conclusions:
- The findings demonstrate a higher seroprevalence of EBNA-1 IgG and VCA IgG in Cypriot MS patients, aligning with international studies.
- These results further support the hypothesis of Epstein-Barr virus involvement in the pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis.
- The study underscores the importance of EBV as a potential contributing factor in MS etiology across different geographical regions.
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