Scientists Uncover Blood Test That May Predict MS

London, England (AHN) – Scientists have discovered a blood test that may predict the course of multiple sclerosis (MS), or even indicate who is likely to develop the condition after a first MS-like attack. According to researchers the study suggests that differing antibody levels produced in response to the common virus Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), may predict the course of MS.

If proven in further studies, this would be the first credible biological indicator, or biomarker, identified for MS that could predict disability progression from a simple blood test.

Scientists at the Institute of Neurology, UCL and the Institute of Cell and Molecular Biology, Barts and The London carried out the research study funded by the MS Society and published the findings in the Neurology journal.

The study’s authors hope the findings will aid the development of better ways to predict who goes on to develop MS after initial MS-like symptoms and help in identifying more effective therapies for those afflicted with the disease.

The lead author for the study, Clinical Research Fellow Dr Rachel Farrell, said: “All the participants in our study had previous history of infection with EBV, which has been shown in other studies and is not surprising given that a large majority of the adult population is infected with EBV.

“What was surprising is that the levels of a molecule in the blood called anti-EBNA-1 IgG, induced by the virus, were associated with the activity of MS.

“The results of this work show that those participants who had new areas of MS damage in the brain also had high levels of the anti-EBNA-1 IgG molecule in their blood.

“In addition, participants with higher levels of EBNA-1 in the bloodstream were more likely to have an increase over time in the disability associated with MS.”

The authors of the study concluded that anti-EBNA-1 IgG is a potential biomarker in MS that might be useful in predicting disability and progression.