Hhv-6 Infection In Multiple Sclerosis. A Clinical And Laboratory Analysis

Background and purpose:To elucidate the role of human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) in the development of multiple sclerosis (MS).Patients and methods:Nine patients with MS and with acute or chronic HHV-6 infection were evaluated.Results:Intrathecal antibody production to HHV-6 and oligoclonal IgG bands in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was observed in two patients with a clinically definite MS and chronic HHV-6 infection (based on the presence of HHV-6 specific antibodies in the CSF). A temporal association between the symptoms of clinically possible MS and acute primary HHV-6A infection (based on avidity of HHV-6 specific antibodies) was observed in two patients.Conclusions:Human herpesvirus-6 infection may be an associated agent in some MS cases. Viral studies are needed to identify a possible viral etiology and give specific therapy.