Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common inflammatory autoimmune CNS disease, with unknown etiology. We aimed to determine the coexistence of MS with antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus and its gene sequences (EBNA1 and BHRF1). The study included 60 MS patients and 60 control subjects. Serum samples were processed by ELISA for detection of EBV antibodies, and latent EBV genes were determined by Real Time PCR in blood samples. While 18 (30%) MS cases had anti- EBV IgM antibodies, all controls were free. For IgG, no difference was noted (cases 96.6% and controls 93.3%). BHFR1 gene was more detected in MS cases (66.6%) compared to controls (26.66%), P= 0.0019. However, no difference was noted regarding EBNA1 detection. In conclusion, a high prevalence of EBV past infection among Egyptian population was documented. Furthermore, IgM and BHRF1 were more detected in MS cases compared to controls.
Copyright© by the Egyptian Association of Immunologists.