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.Items in DSpace are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.