PREVALENCE AND SEROLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF HERPESVIRUS INFECTIONS IN PATIENTS WITH RELAPSING–REMITTING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Abstract

Background. Persistent herpesvirus infections are increasingly regarded as important environmental factors involved in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. Neurotropic herpesviruses are capable of lifelong latency, periodic reactivation, and modulation of host immune responses, which may contribute to chronic neuroinflammation and demyelination.

Objective. To assess the prevalence and serological characteristics of major herpesvirus infections in patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis compared with healthy individuals.

Materials and Methods. A total of 120 patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (80 women and 40 men, mean age 38 ± 11 years) and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers were examined. Virus-specific IgM and IgG antibodies to herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, varicella-zoster virus, Epstein–Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and human herpesvirus type 6 were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Nonparametric statistical methods were applied.

Results. All patients with multiple sclerosis were seropositive for Epstein–Barr virus, compared with 83% of controls (p < 0.05). Elevated IgG titers to Epstein–Barr virus, herpes simplex viruses, and varicella-zoster virus were significantly more pronounced in the multiple sclerosis group. Serological markers of viral reactivation were detected predominantly among patients with multiple sclerosis. In contrast, cytomegalovirus IgG antibodies were more frequently observed in the control group, while human herpesvirus type 6 seropositivity did not differ significantly between groups.

Conclusion. Patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis demonstrate a higher prevalence and increased serological activity of several herpesvirus infections, even at relatively early stages of the disease. These findings support the role of persistent herpesvirus infections in multiple sclerosis pathogenesis and highlight the importance of comprehensive virological assessment in this patient population.