Human Herpesvirus ۶ Viremia in Patients with Classic Multiple Scelerosis in Guilan, Iran

Introduction: During the past few years, an increasing body of evidence has suggested a possible role for human herpes virus ۶ (HHV-۶) in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis. Despite the many reports supporting the relationship between HHV-۶ and MS, this association has not been definitely proved or refuted, and the matter remains unresolved. The current study was aimed to investigate any relation between HHV-۶ viremia and classic MS in patients in Guilan province, Northern Iran. Method: HHV-۶ viremia was certified by molecular detection in study group (n=۴۶) and control group (n=۴۶) using nested-PCR. Data were analyzed by using three statistical tests (Chi square, odd ratio, and Relative Risk). Results: HHV-۶ genomic sequences were found totally in ۲۸ out of ۴۶ (۶۰.۸%) plasma DNA samples of patients with MS, but were not found in rest of them. It was also found in ۱۳ out of ۴۶ (۲۸.۲%) control group. The difference in prevalence of HHV-۶ DNA in blood between patients with MS and control group was statistically significant (P=۰.۰۰۲۷ and odd ratio=۰.۲۷۷). Conclusion: The data of our study showed that HHV-۶ can be implicated in the development of MS. We strongly support the need for further, objective, evidence-based examination of the relationship between HHV-۶ infection and MS.

Keywords:

Human Herpes virus ۶ , Multiple Sclerosis , Nested PCR , Iran