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Cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr Virus, Herpes Simplex Virus, and Varicella Zoster Virus Infection Dynamics in People

Peter A Maple1,2, Radu Tanasescu1,2, Cris S Constantinescu1,3

  • 1Mental Health and Clinical Neuroscience Academic Unit, University of Nottingham School of Medicine, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.

Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 26, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is linked to multiple sclerosis (MS), with higher EBV antibody levels found in people with MS. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) showed no negative association, and herpes simplex virus (HSV) antibodies were lower in MS patients.

Area of Science:

  • Virology and Immunology
  • Neuroscience
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) exposure is a known risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS).
  • The association of cytomegalovirus (CMV) with MS is less clear, potentially being neutral or negative.
  • Understanding the role of various herpesviruses in MS pathogenesis is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between different herpesvirus infections and MS in an Italian population.
  • To compare seroprevalence and antibody levels of EBV, CMV, HSV, and VZV in people with MS (PwMS) and healthy controls (HCs).
  • To explore the influence of age and sex on these associations.

Main Methods:

  • Serum samples from 200 Italian PwMS (relapsing-remitting phenotype) and 137 HCs were analyzed.
  • Samples were matched for age and sex.
  • Commercial ELISAs were used to detect IgG antibodies against EBV (VCA and EBNA-1), CMV, HSV, and VZV.

Main Results:

  • EBV VCA IgG and EBNA-1 IgG seroprevalence was high (100% in PwMS, ~93% in HCs), with significantly higher levels in PwMS (p < 0.001).
  • EBNA-1 IgG levels decreased with age in female PwMS.
  • CMV IgG seroprevalence was similar in PwMS (58.7%) and HCs (62.9%) and increased with age. HSV IgG levels were lower in PwMS (71.2%) compared to HCs (70.8%) (p = 0.0005). VZV IgG seroprevalence was high in both groups (~98%).

Conclusions:

  • The study confirms a strong association between EBV infection markers and MS in the Italian population studied.
  • The lack of a negative association with CMV and lower HSV IgG levels in PwMS warrant further investigation.
  • Age and sex can influence herpesvirus infection markers in relation to MS.
Keywords:
Epstein–Barr virusItalyantibody levelscytomegalovirusherpes simplex virushuman herpesvirusesmultiple sclerosisseroprevalencevaricella zoster virus

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