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Antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus and neurotropic viruses in multiple sclerosis and optic neuritis

Gunnar Houen1, Julie Heiden1, Nicole H Trier1

  • 1Department of Autoimmunology, Statens Serum Institut, Ørestads Boulevard 5, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark; Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Valdemar Hansens vej 13, 2600 Glostrup, Denmark.

Journal of Neuroimmunology
|July 19, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Expanding antibody testing for Epstein-Barr, Varicella Zoster, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (EMMRZ) viruses improves multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnostics. This enhanced panel shows higher sensitivity for diagnosing MS and optic neuritis (ON).

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Immunology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Antibody indices to Measles, Mumps, and Varicella Zoster (MRZ) viruses are established diagnostic markers for multiple sclerosis (MS).
  • The diagnostic utility of this panel may be enhanced by including additional viral antigens.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if extending the MRZ panel to include Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Rubella virus (RV) antigens (creating an EMMRZ panel) increases diagnostic value in multiple sclerosis (MS) and optic neuritis (ON).

Main Methods:

  • Patient samples (serum and cerebrospinal fluid - CSF) from individuals with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and ON were analyzed for immunoglobulin G (IgG) reactivity against EMMRZ viral antigens.
  • Antibody indices were calculated and compared between patient groups and with the existing MRZ panel.

Main Results:

  • RRMS patients exhibited increased IgG levels in both serum and CSF against EMMRZ antigens.
  • A significant correlation was observed between serum and CSF IgG levels.
  • The EMMRZ panel demonstrated an approximate 40% increase in sensitivity compared to the MRZ panel for MS and ON diagnostics.

Conclusions:

  • The expanded EMMRZ antibody panel offers enhanced diagnostic sensitivity for multiple sclerosis (MS) and optic neuritis (ON) compared to the traditional MRZ panel.
  • This suggests the EMMRZ panel is a valuable tool for improving the diagnostic accuracy of these neurological conditions.
Keywords:
Epstein Barr virusMultiple sclerosisNeurotrophic virusOptic neuritisVirus antigens

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