HSV1 and 2 detection in the CSF of multiple sclerosis patients by real-time PCR

In Vivo. 2014 Nov-Dec;28(6):1201-5.

Abstract

Aim: The pathogenic role of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) 1 and 2 in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) still remains obscure. The aim of our study was the assessment of HSV1 and 2 DNA prevalence in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of MS patients compared to patients with other neurological disorders (OND).

Materials and methods: HSV1 and HSV2 DNA detection in the CSF of patients was performed by real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results: The genome of HSV1 was present in the CSF of 4.7% of MS patients (4 out of 85), while HSV2 was not detected in any patient. In the sub-group of OND patients, HSV1 was detected in 7.9% of patients (3 out of 38) and HSV2 was detected in 5.3% of patients (2 out of 38).

Conclusion: Our data are in accordance with a limited number of previous reports, supporting a prevalence of HSV1 genome in less than 5% of MS patients.

Keywords: Cerebrospinal fluid; HLA-DRB1*15; herpes simplex virus 1 and 2; multiple sclerosis; real time PCR; relapses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid / virology*
  • Female
  • Genome, Viral
  • Herpesvirus 1, Human* / genetics
  • Herpesvirus 2, Human* / genetics
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis / cerebrospinal fluid*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / diagnosis
  • Multiple Sclerosis / virology*
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Young Adult