Analysis of Chlamydia pneumoniae-specific oligoclonal bands in multiple sclerosis and other neurologic diseases.
OBJECTIVE
Paired serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens were investigated for Chlamydia pneumoniae-specific oligoclonal bands (OCBs) to determine band specificity in multiple sclerosis (MS).


METHODS
Serum and CSF samples were collected from patients with relapsing-remitting MS (n = 56), other inflammatory (n = 18) or non-inflammatory (n = 15) neurologic diseases, and from 10 healthy controls. OCBs were determined with affinity immunoblotting of C. pneumoniae-specific IgG onto antigen-coated nitrocellulose paper after protein separation with agarose isoelectric focusing.


RESULTS
Chlamydia pneumoniae-specific OCBs were present in 5 of 56 patients with MS, and in 3 of 18 patients with other inflammatory neurologic diseases.


CONCLUSIONS
The intrathecal production of C. pneumoniae-specific oligoclonal IgG occurs in a minority of patients with MS. This intrathecal anti-C. pneumoniae reactivity is likely part of a polyspecific humoral immune response in MS.
Franciotta
D
D
Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, IRCCS, Foundation Neurological Institute C. Mondino, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy. diego.franciotta@mondino.it
Zardini
E
E
Bergamaschi
R
R
Grimaldi
L M
LM
Andreoni
L
L
Cosi
V
V
D015526:AIDS Dementia Complex / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000276:immunology; D023521:Chlamydophila Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology*; D016993:Chlamydophila pneumoniae / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015151:Immunoblotting; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology*; D009494:Neurosyphilis / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology; D043025:Oligoclonal Bands / Q000097:blood / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid
D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D043025:Oligoclonal Bands