Aim:The aim was to investigate the infectious conditions of Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)in patients with multiple sclerosis(MS).Methods:Cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)of 20 patients with MS and 20 with other neurological diseases(OND)were tested with indirect immunofluorescence for anti-EBV capsid antigen(EBV-CA)immunoglobulin G(IgG),IgG affinity for anti-EBV-CA,anti-EBV-CA immunoglobulin M(IgM),anti-EBV early antigen(EBV-EA)IgG and anti-EBV nuclear antigen(EBNA)IgG.According to the pattern of antibodies in CSF,infection rates of acute,chronic,primary,recurrent,and past infections were analyzed in the two groups of patients.Results:There were no significant differences in anti-EBV-CA,anti-EBC-EA,and anti-EBNA antigen IgG in CSF between MS and OND patients(P>0.05).The positive rate of low affinity for anti-EBV-CA IgG in MS patients was significantly higher than that for OND patients(75%vs.40%,P<0.05).Furthermore,significant differences in the positive rate of anti-EBV-CA IgM were found between MS and OND patients(70%vs.25%,P<0.05).Of the MS patients,75%were in an EBV acute infection state compared with 40%of OND patients(P<0.05).Conclusion:Acute infection of EBV closely correlates with the occurrence of MS.
Shan-Chao ZhangLei LiuRui-Jin WangHou-Zhen TuoYan-Jun GuoLi YiDe-Xin WangJia-Wei Wang