Epstein-Barr virus infection in patients with MOGAD.

Background: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection increases the risk of having multiple sclerosis (MS). Data on adults with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) are lacking. Objective: To compare EBV serological status in MOGAD versus MS. Methods: We measured antibodies to Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen (EBNA-1) and viral capsid antigen (VCA) antigens in 129 patients (MS = 74, MOGAD = 55) by chemiluminescence immunoassays. Results: VCA-IgG were detected in 97.3% of MS and 96.4% of MOGAD cases, while EBNA-1-IgG in 97.3% of MS and 80% of MOGAD (p = 0.001). EBNA-1 (p < 0.001) and VCA (p = 0.03) antibodies levels were higher in MS patients. Conclusion: EBV antibodies are higher in MS versus MOGAD, suggesting a possible different role of EBV in the pathogenesis of the two conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]