We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
Sekisui Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Blood Test Identifies Biomarker Linked to MS

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 02 Sep 2009
Antibody levels in blood produced in response to Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), could predict the course of multiple sclerosis (MS), or even indicate who is likely to develop the condition after a first MS-like attack.

Investigators studied 100 individuals, 50 of whom had a single MS-like attack but no diagnosis of MS, 25 people with relapsing remitting MS, and 25 with primary progressive MS. More...
They tested the participants for evidence of EBV infection in the blood and also looked for anti-EBNA-1 Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and other EBV induced antibodies. MRI brain scans of each participant were taken over a five-year period to determine the disability progression.

EBV DNA in blood was quantified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and EBV serology for anti-Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA-1) immunoglobulin G (IgG), antiviral capsid antigen (VCA) IgG, and anti-EBV IgM.

The work was performed by Dr. Rachel Farrell at the department of neuroinflammation, Institute of Neurology, University College London (UCL; London, UK) and colleagues. Dr. 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 EB. 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 study was reported in the July 2009 issue of the journal Neurology. The authors concluded that anti-EBNA-1 IgG is a potential biomarker in MS that might be useful in predicting disability and disease progression. They added that the work needed to be validated in larger studies and in combination with other yet unidentified biomarkers

Related Links:
University College London



Platinum Member
Automated Coagulation Analyzer
Hemolumi H6
Gold Member
Electrolyte Analyzer
CBS-4000 (CBS-400)
New
Fully Automated Urinalysis System
DxU 1800 Fully Automated Urinalysis System
CMV CLIA Diagnostic
CLIA CMV IgA Screen Group
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image Credit: 123RF

Screening After Pneumococcal Disease May Reveal Undiagnosed Blood Cancer or Immune Disorders

Severe pneumococcal disease requiring hospitalization often presents as pneumonia, particularly in older adults and people with cancer or compromised immune function. Because M protein testing and antibody... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image Credit: 123RF

FDA-Cleared Multiplex PCR Test Detects 13 Respiratory Pathogens in a Single Sample

Respiratory tract infections can be difficult to distinguish at presentation because many cause overlapping, nonspecific symptoms and are initially grouped as influenza-like illnesses. Causes span a range... Read more

Technology

view channel
Image: The laser-based photoacoustic spectroscopy setup consists of a Mid-IR laser equipped with three QCL modules covering wavelengths from 5.6 μm to 12.9 μm, two silver coated mirrors (SCM), a dichroic mirror (DM) with a transmittance of 90%, a thermal power sensor head (PM) to monitor the output laser power, a mechanical chopper (MC) for frequency modulation and a CEPAS-detector with a self-designed swab holder (SH). (Credit: Graunke, T., Scholz, T., Pieniak, M. et al. Scientific Reports (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-68298-9)

Laser-Based Swab Analysis Shows Promise for Detecting Disease-Linked Odor Patterns

Disease-related changes in volatile organic compounds can alter body odor, producing measurable patterns in exhaled breath and bodily fluids. Current analytical methods can be complex, time-consuming,... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image

Collaboration Combines AI Cognitive Assessment and RNA Blood Testing for Earlier Alzheimer’s Detection

Alzheimer’s disease is often identified only after substantial neurodegeneration, partly because current diagnostic pathways are fragmented and difficult to scale. As treatment shifts toward earlier intervention,... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2026 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.