Research Article

Epstein Barr Virus Infection as A Trigger For Multiple Sclerosis: Unravelling Viral-Immune Interactions In Najaf City

Abstract

Background: Among the most pressing public health issues today are neuroinflammatory disorders that impact the central nervous system, including MS, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. Besides infectious mononucleosis, the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can cause many disorders and consequences. An EBV infection may affect an individual’s nerves, spinal cord, and brain. The symptoms of an EBV infection may be more severe in people with compromised immune systems. Aim of study: Study of the effect of Epstein-Barr virus infection on the immune response and its relationship to neuroinflammatory diseases. Methods: The investigation included 120 patients diagnosed with neuroinflammatory disease by neurologists. The total number of patients was 120, with an average age of 45 years for males and 75 years for females. The investigation was conducted from November 2023 to May 2024. An enzyme-linked  immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was implemented to evaluate EBV IgM and IgG levels. Results: The Anti-EBV IgM Antibodies tested positive in 32% of the cases, while the remaining 68% of the cases tested negative. The Anti-EBV IgG Antibodies tested positive in 71% of the cases, while the remaining 29% of the cases tested negative. Conclusion: Since many people’s IgG and IgM levels rise simultaneously, EBV virus infection may cause neuroinflammatory illnesses or worsen pre-existing conditions. A large number of neuroinflammatory illness patients have EBV infection. Positive IgG levels in a tiny percentage of negative results may suggest an infection.