Re: Viral precursor?

Posted By Li on October 12, 1998 at 07:30:48:

In Reply to: Re: Viral precursor? posted by CCF Neurology M.D./TJW on October 11, 1998 at 13:43:50:






Okay, so I don't know if I have MS or not, but I find it interesting that my
neuro-type symptoms started about the same time as my daughter developed a rare
blood disorder resembling aplastic anemia. In fact, I started testing for MS
just about two weeks before she started treatment for the sore throat that
led us to find her disorder.  I do recall that both of us had suffered a bout
of an upper respiratory infection around that time, as well.
Have they done any recent studies to see if there is a viral component to the
MS question?  If so, are they close at all to identifying what sort it might be?
Although her blood is all screwed up, we both share a high IgG and high ESR.  
If we go on a presumption that we both contracted the same virus, what inflammatory
process might cause both blood and neuro problems?



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Dear Li:
The viral link to MS has been proposed as a theory since this disease was
first described in the early 1800's. However, despite extensive studies into
this possibility, no virus has ever been isolated from the tissues of MS patients, nor has a viral model ever been produced experimentally.
There are viral illnesses which can cause immune-mediated complications in the CNS; this condition is generically called ADEM, and has been linked
with CMV, EBV, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae viruses. This is a relatively
rare condition, and usually results in many obvious abnormalities upon
neurologic testing.
I am unaware of any link between viral-induced CNS demyelinating illnesses and aplastic anemia. I have a feeling that your illness is unrelated
to that effecting your daughter.
I wish you both the best of luck.

Thank you.  Let me reiterate, however, that she has a RARE blood disorder RESEMBLING aplastic anemia.  Like me, she is undiagnosed at the moment (4 years now), so
I don't feel that we can rule out anything...including something new.  The mycoplasma component was interesting, as I did have pneumonia about 6 years ago and the doctors
at that time thought it might be mycoplasma involvement.  Since I have no "obvious abnormalities" as your refer to, I suppose that too is ruled out.  As usual, I do
appreciate your time and help!