Investigation on the role of viral antibodies in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis.

An attempt was made to elucidate the role of antibodies to measles, rubella and mumps viruses in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis by correlating their levels in the blood of patients with clinical manifestations of the disease. Antibody titres to measles and rubella viruses were higher during exacerbations of the process and decreased during remissions. No correlation was found between the level of viral antibodies and the duration of the disease, features of its course (rapidly or slowly progressing), or the phase of the disease. The rise of viral antibody titres in multiple sclerosis appears to be a secondary process not associated with the disease aetiologically and playing no role in its pathogenesis.