Abstract

Background and Aims: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is defined by the presence of inflammatory demyelinating plaques in the central nervous system (CNS). It has been indicated that human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6) may play role in pathogenesis of MS. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of HHV-6 DNA and anti HHV-6 IgG in MS patients and controls.

Materials and Methods: Blood samples from 59 patients with MS and 59 healthy controls were collected. DNA extraction and real-time PCR based on (Syber Green) were done in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and in plasma specimens. Anti-HHV-6 IgG was measured by ELISA technique. Demographic and clinical data were collected and entered in SPSS 16 and analyzed.

Results: HHV-6 DNA was found in the plasma sample of 1 (1.7%) of 59 MS patients. There was no HHV-6 DNA in PBMCs of the MS patients and controls and in plasma of control group. Anti- HHV-6 IgG antibody was present in 84.7% of MS patients and 82.1% of control group.

Conclusion: There was no significant relation based on presence of HHV-6 DNA and antibody between MS patients and controls in north of Iran.