Background
As common viruses are encountered during childhood, pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) offers a unique opportunity to more closely investigate the influence of these viruses on disease susceptibility and the interactions between viral seroconversion and select HLA genotype.
Aim of the study To determine whether seroconversion with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), or herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 or -2 is associated with a greater risk of developing MS in children and whether the presence of HLA-DRB1*1501 or 1503 influences this risk, either independently or in an interactive fashion with these viruses.
Methods
Statistical analysis
Multivariate analysis using logistic regression was performed, adjusted for age, sex, race, ethnicity and DRB1 status, to evaluate if children who were seropositive for each virus or for DRB1 were more likely than others to have pediatric MS. Interactions were assessed by generating an interaction term for each virus (positive or negative) and DRB1 status.
Stony Brook University Hospital
101 Nicolls Road Stony Brook, NY 11794
(631) 444-4000