Search for canine-distemper-virus antibodies in multiple sclerosis. A detailed virological evaluation.
Sera and cerebrospinal fluid samples from multiple-sclerosis (MS) patients, matched controls, and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) patients were analysed for the presence of antibodies specific for measles and canine distemper virus (CDV). Virus-specific antibodies were identified by haemagglutination inhibition, neutralisation, and immune precipitation in combination with polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. SSPE and MS patients had a higher antibody activity towards measles virus than controls. Moreover, human sera partly neutralised CDV; this was attributed to antibody activity against CDV proteins, antigenically related to those of measles virus. However, CDV-specific antibodies were not found in the samples tested. These findings indicate that MS can develop without a preceding CDV infection.
D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis* / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D000918:Antibody Specificity; D004217:Distemper Virus, Canine / Q000276:immunology*; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008459:Measles virus / Q000276:immunology; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000097:blood / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000276:immunology*; D013344:Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis / Q000276:immunology
D000914:Antibodies, Viral