Oligoclonal bands in multiple sclerosis reactive against two herpesviruses and association with magnetic resonance imaging findings.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Two human herpesviruses, human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), have been repeatedly linked to multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate HHV-6 and EBV reactive oligoclonal bands (OCBs), and viral DNA in the intrathecal compartment in MS.

Methods

The reactivity of OCBs in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for EBV and HHV-6 antigens and stability of virus reactive OCBs over time were studied in a well-characterized MS patient cohort. Associations between virus reactive OCBs and viral DNA in CSF (and any clinical and/or radiological findings) were investigated.

Results

Of patients with MS, 38% had OCBs reactive to either one of the viruses studied, compared to none in the patients with other inflammatory neu

SUBMITTER: Virtanen JO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5001156 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature