Evaluation of reactive Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) in Iranian patient with different subtypes of multiple sclerosis (MS)

Abstract

Objectives: 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