Multiple sclerosis (MS) is thought to be triggered by environmental factors acting on a genetic predisposition. Sardinians share a homogeneous genetic background and boast one of the highest MS prevalence worldwide. We investigated Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibody prevalence in Sardinian population by ELISA. Our results show a higher serum prevalence of EBNA-1 IgG in MS patients compared to healthy controls. Moreover, analyzing a subset of patients treated for 6 months with IFN-β, we observed a decrease in their EBNA-1 specific IgG titers. These results confirm previous findings and strengthen the association between EBV and MS in Sardinia.
EBNA-1 IgG titers in Sardinian multiple sclerosis patients and controls
COCCO, ELEONORA;FRAU, JESSICA;MARROSU, MARIA GIOVANNA;
2013-01-01
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is thought to be triggered by environmental factors acting on a genetic predisposition. Sardinians share a homogeneous genetic background and boast one of the highest MS prevalence worldwide. We investigated Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibody prevalence in Sardinian population by ELISA. Our results show a higher serum prevalence of EBNA-1 IgG in MS patients compared to healthy controls. Moreover, analyzing a subset of patients treated for 6 months with IFN-β, we observed a decrease in their EBNA-1 specific IgG titers. These results confirm previous findings and strengthen the association between EBV and MS in Sardinia.
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