Evaluation of Anti Epstein-Barr Virus Early Antigen (Igg) Antibody Serum Level in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder Patients

Abstract

Background: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection has been recognized as the most important environmental factor in the development of Multiple Sclerosis. The role of EBV as a risk factor in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is under discussion. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association of anti-EBV early antigen (IgG) antibody serum levels with NMOSD compared with healthy controls. Methods: In this case-control study, we measured levels of serum antibody against early EBV antigen (EA) IgG in 40 patients with NMOSD and 43 healthy controls with CHORUS kits (based on Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay; ELISA). The independent t-test, The Chi-square test, a linear regression model were applied. Findings: No association was observed between NMOSD, sex, age and BMI and the serum level of anti EBV Early antigen (IgG) levels. The strong association between EBV and MS as a key environmental risk factor was not observed between EBV and NMOSD. Conclusion: In conclusion, our results showed that there is no significant difference in the serum levels of anti-EA IgG antibody between 40 NMOSD patients and 43 healthy controls. Further studies in this field are recommended. © 2025, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.