Distribution and quantification of human herpesvirus 6 in multiple sclerosis and control brains

Tuke, P.W., Hawke, S., Griffiths, P.D. and Clark, D.A. (2004) Distribution and quantification of human herpesvirus 6 in multiple sclerosis and control brains. Multiple Sclerosis, 10(4), pp. 355-359. (PMID:15327029)

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is thought to be precipitated by environmental factors, potentially including viruses, in genetically susceptible individuals and recently human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) has been associated with the disease. We have analysed post mortem brain for the presence, variant type and quantity of HHV-6 by PCR. A total of 124 samples from seven anatomically defined regions of brain were tested from MS cases and controls. HHV-6 DNA was detected in 41% and 44% of MS case and control samples. The median viral loads were 11 and 9 genome copies/mg DNA in cases and controls respectively and the viral load was not increased in lesions. Except in one instance, the HHV-6 DNA detected was variant B. There was no apparent difference in the distribution of HHV-6 DNA in the brains of MS cases versus controls, nor between normal appearing and lesional tissue in MS cases. Periventricular regions of the brain were more frequently positive for HHV-6 DNA in both MS cases and controls, although this difference was not statistically significant. These studies confirm the neurotropism of HHV-6 but do not demonstrate differences in the distribution, variant type or quantity of HHV-6 in brains from patients with MS versus controls.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Clark, Dr Duncan
• Authors: Tuke, P.W., Hawke, S., Griffiths, P.D., and Clark, D.A.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Life Sciences
• Journal Name: Multiple Sclerosis
• Publisher: SAGE
• ISSN: 1352-4585
• ISSN (Online): 1477-0970