Leukotropic herpesviruses in multiple sclerosis

Detection frequency of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and Epstein Barr virus (EBV) DNA in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and controls was investigated. DNA of peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes (PBL) was isolated and amplified by polymerase chain reaction techniques. EBV DNA was detected in all patients and controls. HHV-6 DNA was detected in 7% of MS patients and in 14% of controls. Results are compared with other investigations of HHV-6 DNA in PBL, serum, CSF and brain of patients with MS. Results of the present study and other investigations do not show an association between HHV-6 in PBL and MS. Multiple Sclerosis (2000) 6, 66 - 68