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Immunoglobulin M specific for measles and mumps in multiple sclerosis
British Medical Journal
|May 15, 1971
Summary
Patients with active multiple sclerosis showed higher levels of measles virus-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) and mumps virus-specific IgM compared to other neurological conditions. These viral IgM antibodies, along with anticellular IgM, were notably present in multiple sclerosis patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the central nervous system.
- The role of viral infections in the pathogenesis or as markers of MS activity is an ongoing area of research.
- Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies can indicate recent or persistent viral exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and persistence of specific viral IgM antibodies in patients with active multiple sclerosis.
- To compare the prevalence of these antibodies in MS patients with those in patients with other neurological diseases and healthy controls.
- To examine the association of anticellular IgM with active MS.
Main Methods:
- Immunofluorescence assays were employed to detect virus-specific IgM antibodies in patient sera.
- Sera were analyzed from 43 patients with active multiple sclerosis, 43 patients with other nervous diseases, and 43 normal controls.
- Specific IgM antibodies against measles virus, mumps virus, and herpes simplex virus were quantified, alongside anticellular IgM.
Main Results:
- Measles virus-specific IgM (measles IgM) was detected in four active MS patients and one patient with other nervous diseases.
- Mumps virus-specific IgM (mumps IgM) was found in two active MS patients.
- Persistence of measles IgM for up to three years and mumps IgM for two and a half years was observed in MS patients. Anticellular IgM was predominantly found in active MS and persisted for two and a half years in two cases. Herpes simplex virus-specific IgM was found across all groups.
Conclusions:
- Elevated levels and persistence of measles IgM and mumps IgM may serve as potential biomarkers for active multiple sclerosis.
- The presence of anticellular IgM predominantly in active MS suggests a possible link to disease activity.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific role of these viral and anticellular IgM responses in MS pathogenesis.