title: Evaluation of reactive Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) in Iranian patient with different subtypes of multiple sclerosis (MS).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Epstein-Barr virus has been recently associated with the onset of multiple sclerosis, yet understanding how it elicits autoimmunity remains elusive. We investigated the relation between Epstein-Barr virus reactivation and disease development in different subtypes of multiple sclerosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  In the present research, we have determined the Epstein-Barr virus-DNA load by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Epstein-Barr virus antibody levels by EIA technique in both multiple sclerosis patients (n=78) and healthy controls (n=123).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our results demonstrated increased titer of both anti-Epstein-Barr virus-IgG and IgM antibodies in patients (91.02% vs 82.11% in controls, p<0.001 and 14.1% vs 4.06% in controls, p<0.001, respectively). Overall, Epstein-Barr virus reactivation was found in 68.75% of subtypes of multiple sclerosis, 4.54% of multiple sclerosis primary subtype, and in only 3.25% of healthy control subjects. Moreover, in samples of patients with disease relapse (exacerbation) cell free viral DNA was elevated in contrast to other patients (p<0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings provide further support for the detrimental effects of Epstein-Barr virus in the reactivation of multiple sclerosis attacks.
authors: Department of Neurology, Zahedan University of Medical Science, Zahedan, Iran.
authors: Nourollah
authors: N
authors: Ramroodi
authors: Abbas Ali
authors: AA
authors: Niazi
authors: Nima
authors: N
authors: Sanadgol
authors: Zohre
authors: Z
authors: Ganjali
authors: Vida
authors: V
authors: Sarabandi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D020031:Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000097:blood; D007492:Iran; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000145:classification / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology*; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D004279:DNA, Viral; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M