Context
Infection with common viruses, particularly Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), has been postulated to contribute to the pathobiology of MS. Detailed virological studies in pediatric MS have not been previously reported.

Objective
To evaluate whether children with MS are more likely to be seropositive for EBV or other common viruses than their healthy age-matched peers.

Design, Setting, and Patients
Case-control study of viral samples collected from March 1994 to February 2003 from 30 pediatric patients with MS, 90 emergency department controls matched 3:1 with the MS patients by year of birth, and 53 healthy control children. Main Outcome Measures: Archived serum samples were analyzed for the presence of IgG antibodies directed against EBV viral capsid antigens, nuclear antigens, and early antigens, cytomegalovirus, parvovirus B19, herpes simplex virus, and varicella zoster.

Results
Serological evidence for remote EBV infection was present in 83% of pediatric patients with MS compared with 42% of emergency department and healthy controls (P < 0.001). Five pediatric patients with MS were negative for all three EBV antigens. Pediatric patients with MS were less likely than controls to have been exposed to herpes simplex virus (P = 0.003), while seropositivity for cytomegalovirus, parvovirus B19, and varicella zoster did not differ between patients with MS and controls.

Conclusion
These results suggest an association between EBV infection and pediatric MS. (Available from: National Institute of Health)

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