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. 2009 Feb;15(2):153-8.
doi: 10.1177/1352458508097920. Epub 2008 Oct 9.

Quantitative PCR for Epstein-Barr virus DNA and RNA in multiple sclerosis

J W Lindsey  1 , L M Hatfield, M P Crawford, S Patel
Affiliations

Quantitative PCR for Epstein-Barr virus DNA and RNA in multiple sclerosis

J W Lindsey et al. Mult Scler. 2009 Feb.

Abstract

Background: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with MS, but it is not clear whether EBV plays a role in the pathogenesis of MS.

Hypothesis: We hypothesized that the immune control of EBV might be defective in MS, and that reactivation of EBV might drive the immune response in MS.

Methods: We collected blood from controls and patients with MS, and measured the amounts of EBV DNA and RNA using quantitative PCR.

Results: We found that EBV DNA and RNA were frequently detectable in peripheral blood leukocytes from both patients with MS and normal controls. There was no significant difference between patients with MS or controls. Paired samples from a small number of subjects suggest that EBV DNA may increase before and during clinical relapse.

Conclusions: We conclude that the immune control of EBV infection is similar in MS and controls, and that reactivation of EBV may correlate with MS disease activity.

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