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

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.