Multiple Sclerosis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Multiple Sclerosis, including details on diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, prognosis.

Epstein-Barr virus genotypes in multiple sclerosis.

Lindsey JW, Patel S, Zou J

Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA. john.w.lindsey@uth.tmc.edu

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, but the relationship between the virus and the disease is not clear. As many different types of EBV exist, it is possible that MS is caused by one particular type of EBV. Objectives - The aim of this study was to determine whether MS is associated with a particular genotype of EBV. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected blood from MS patients and controls, amplified and sequenced the latent membrane protein-1 (LMP-1) gene, and compared the groups. RESULTS: We found a variety of LMP-1 sequences in both MS and controls, with no significant differences between the groups. Conclusion - We conclude that MS is not associated with a particular genotype of EBV.

Published 10 January 2008 in Acta Neurol Scand, 117(2): 141-4.
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