Levels of Anti-EBV Antibodies Could Predict MS Course

[marcstck]

Researchers in London have identified a protein produced by the body in response to Epstein-Barr virus infection as a possible biomarker that might predict the severity of MS disease progression in patients.

It was found that patients with higher levels of the antibody experienced more aggressive disease.

Other research has shown that 100% of MS patients are infected with EBV. EBV infection is often asymptomatic, or can be mistaken for a common cold or flu, and most patients infected with it are unaware that they carry the virus. Researchers have previously shown that people not infected with EBV simply do not get MS.

This new research would seem to back that claim, and further provide a way for doctors to pinpoint which patients are more at risk for aggressive disease progression...

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_a ... 815631.ece

http://uk.sys-con.com/node/1087416