Epstein-Barr virus in pediatric multiple sclerosis.
BACKGROUND
Infection with common viruses, particularly Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), has been postulated to contribute to the pathobiology of multiple sclerosis (MS). Detailed virological studies in pediatric MS have not been previously reported.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate whether children with MS are more likely to be seropositive for EBV or other common viruses than their healthy age-matched peers.


METHODS
Case-control study of viral samples collected from March 1994 to February 2003 from 30 pediatric MS patients, 90 emergency department controls matched 3:1 with the MS patients by year of birth, and 53 healthy control children.


METHODS
Archived serum samples were analyzed for the presence of IgG antibodies directed against EBV viral capsid antigens, nuclear antigens, and early antigens, cytomegalovirus, parvovirus B19, herpes simplex virus, and varicella zoster.


RESULTS
Serological evidence for remote EBV infection was present in 83% of pediatric MS patients compared with 42% of emergency department and healthy controls (P<.001). Five pediatric MS patients were negative for all 3 EBV antigens. Pediatric MS patients were less likely than controls to have been exposed to herpes simplex virus (P =.003), while seropositivity for cytomegalovirus, parvovirus B19, and varicella zoster did not differ between MS patients and controls.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest an association between EBV infection and pediatric MS.
Alotaibi
Suad
S
Department of Pediatrics(Neurology), Al-Sabah Hospital, Shuwaikh, Kuwait.
Kennedy
Julia
J
Tellier
Raymond
R
Stephens
Derek
D
Banwell
Brenda
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D002170:Canada; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000276:immunology; D020031:Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D014645:Herpesvirus 3, Human / Q000276:immunology; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000821:virology*; D016732:Parvovirus B19, Human / Q000276:immunology; D018139:Simplexvirus / Q000276:immunology
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D007074:Immunoglobulin G