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Updated: Jul 2, 2026

A Primary Neuron Culture System for the Study of Herpes Simplex Virus Latency and Reactivation
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Human herpesvirus 6 infection as a trigger of multiple sclerosis: an update of recent literature

K I Voumvourakis1, P C Fragkou2, D K Kitsos3

  • 12nd Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece. cvoumvou@outlook.com.

BMC Neurology
|February 16, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This review examines the link between human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) infection and multiple sclerosis (MS). Further objective research is needed to define the nature and strength of this potential relationship.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Virology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Investigating the association between human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and multiple sclerosis (MS).
  • Updating existing evidence to clarify the nature and strength of the HHV-6 and MS relationship.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To synthesize and evaluate current evidence on the HHV-6 and MS connection.
  • To identify research gaps and guide future investigations.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review and quality assessment of existing studies.
  • Categorization of studies by experimental technique and quality (Moore and Wolfson criteria).
  • Classification of evidence quality using the Canadian Task Force criteria.

Main Results:

  • Out of 30 studies reviewed, 27 (90%) reported statistically significant findings.
  • 18 of these significant studies (86%) were classified as high quality (A).
  • All reviewed studies met the Canadian Task Force's evidence quality II-1 classification.

Conclusions:

  • The review underscores the necessity for continued, objective research into the HHV-6 and MS relationship.
  • Further investigation is required to definitively establish causality and the extent of the association.
Keywords:
CSFCerebrospinal fluidDemyelinationDiagnosisEtiologyHHV-6Human herpes virus 6,IgG antibodiesIgM antibodiesMultiple sclerosisPathogenesis,pcrPolymerase Chain ReactionPolymorphismsSerology

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