Association of a history of varicella virus infection with multiple sclerosis

Received 6 December 2007; received in revised form 15 July 2008; accepted 15 July 2008.

Abstract

Objective

To analyze the association of a previous history of varicella virus infection with multiple sclerosis (MS) and its subtypes.

Material and methods

We performed a case–control study including 126 cases and 157 controls. Subjects were divided into subgroups according to MS subtype and the history of varicella virus infection along with other variables was assessed.

Results

History of varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection was positive in 42% of controls and 66% of MS cases (p≤0.001). Patients with a history of VZV infection had a threefold risk increase of having MS. Regarding MS subtypes, relapsing-remitting (RR) MS had four times the risk and secondary progressive had a threefold increase in risk when compared with control patients.

Conclusions

An association between varicella infection history and MS was found, particularly in the RR subtype.

Keywords: Multiple sclerosis, Varicella, Varicella zoster virus, Etiology

a Neurodegenerative Diseases Clinical Research Unit, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Mexico City, Mexico

b Neuroimmunology Unit, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Mexico City, Mexico

c Department of Neuropsychiatry, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Mexico City, Mexico

Corresponding author at: Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Insurgentes Sur 3877, Tlalpan, Mexico City 14269, Mexico. Tel.: +52 55 56 06 45 32; fax: +52 55 56 06 45 32.

PII: S0303-8467(08)00282-5

doi:10.1016/j.clineuro.2008.07.007

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