Epstein-Barr Virus in Multiple Sclerosis

Description

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is central nervous system disease manifesting with chronic inflammation and neurodegeneration, affecting nearly three million people worldwide. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) worldwide prevalence in at least 90% of adult population and it is capable to establish lifelong latency. MS aetiology is complex and multifactorial, involving genetic and environmental factors, such as viral infection.
The aim of this study was to clarify current evidence on EBV involvement in MS to analyse role of EBV infection in relapsing remitting MS (RRMS).. Literature analysis was performed to gather latest information on EBV involvement in aetiology and pathogenesis of MS. Determination of EBV infection markers in peripheral blood mononuclear cell/ cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples will be performed using multiplex and reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reactions (PCR). The presence of virus-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM antibodies in the serum and CSF of MS patients will be measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).. Research results on epidemiology, virology and serology display presence of EBV infection in patients with MS. The mechanisms on the infection are demonstrated by number of peer-reviewed publications, associating abnormalities in MS with viral infection. EBV is stated a significant risk factor developing MS.Study results will show presence of virus-specific IgG and IgM antibodies, as well as viral load and activity phase of EBV in patients with RRMS in Latvia.. EBV is one of infectious agents having role in MS, possessing as a risk factor for developing MS that is demonstrated in several published studies which needs to be investigated in Latvian patients with RRMS.

Period	29 Mar 2023
Event title	RSU International Research Conference 2023: Knowledge for Use in Practice
Event type	Conference
Organiser	Rīga Stradiņš University
Location	Riga, LatviaShow on map
Degree of Recognition	International