Multiple sclerosis, retroviruses, and PCR. The HTLV-MS Working Group.
Previously reported serologic and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based findings have suggested an association between the human retrovirus, HTLV-I, and multiple sclerosis (MS). Due to the inherent ability of PCR to produce false-positive results, we developed a set of physical and procedural safeguards to minimize the possibility of molecular carryover. These were applied as part of a blinded, large-scale, multipopulation, multiplex PCR-based study designed to examine this issue of association. Our results do not support the hypothesis that HTLV-I, which plays a role in the pathogenesis of an encephalomyeloneuropathy, HTLV-II, or closely related agents are associated with MS. A concomitant review of the current literature supports this view.
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Related Subject Headings
- Retroviridae Infections
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Neurology & Neurosurgery
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Immunoenzyme Techniques
- Humans
- Human T-lymphotropic virus 2
- Human T-lymphotropic virus 1
- HTLV-I Antibodies
- False Positive Reactions
Citation
Published In
DOI
ISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Location
Related Subject Headings
- Retroviridae Infections
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Neurology & Neurosurgery
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Immunoenzyme Techniques
- Humans
- Human T-lymphotropic virus 2
- Human T-lymphotropic virus 1
- HTLV-I Antibodies
- False Positive Reactions