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Antibodies to coronaviruses OC43 and 229E in multiple sclerosis patients

Neurovirology Study Group, Department of Virology (Drs. Salmi and Ziola), University of Turku, Turku, the Department of Virology (Dr. Hovi), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, and the Department of Neurology (Dr. Reunanen), University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and matched control sera had similar antibody titers to coronaviruses OC43 and 229E when tested by a radioimmunoassay method. In contrast, cerebrospinal fluid from MS patients contained coronavirus antibodies more frequently and in higher titers than matched controls. Intrathecal antibody synthesis to OC43 and 229E viruses was detected in 41% (9/22) and 26% (7/27) of MS patients, respectively, but was not found in any of the neurologic control patients. This intrathecal antibody synthesis may mean that coronaviruses play an etiologic or pathogenic role in MS. Alternatively, intrathecal synthesis of coronavirus antibodies may be but part of a generalized and variable intrathecal antibody synthesis that is typical for MS patients.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Salmi, The Neurovirology Study Group, Department of Virology, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku 52, Finland.

This research was supported by the Sigrid Jusélius Foundation and the Academy of Finland, Medical Research Council. Dr. Ziola was the recipient of a Centennial Fellowship from the Medical Research Council of Canada.

Accepted for publication August 13, 1981.

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