HHV-6 infection in multiple sclerosis. A clinical and laboratory analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To elucidate the role of human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) in the development of multiple sclerosis (MS).


METHODS
Nine patients with MS and with acute or chronic HHV-6 infection were evaluated.


RESULTS
Intrathecal antibody production to HHV-6 and oligoclonal IgG bands in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was observed in two patients with a clinically definite MS and chronic HHV-6 infection (based on the presence of HHV-6 specific antibodies in the CSF). A temporal association between the symptoms of clinically possible MS and acute primary HHV-6A infection (based on avidity of HHV-6 specific antibodies) was observed in two patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Human herpesvirus-6 infection may be an associated agent in some MS cases. Viral studies are needed to identify a possible viral etiology and give specific therapy.
Pietiläinen
J
J
Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Virtanen
J O
JO
Uotila
L
L
Salonen
O
O
Koskiniemi
M
M
Färkkilä
M
M
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D015654:Herpesvirus 6, Human / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid* / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D043025:Oligoclonal Bands / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D019349:Roseolovirus Infections / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid* / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D043025:Oligoclonal Bands