Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate human parvovirus B19 (HPV B19) seropositivity in the multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with widespread arthralgia complaint.

Material & methods: The study group consisted of 23 patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RR-MS), not receiving interferon treatment for prophylactic purpose, having an Extended Disability Status Score (EDSS) less than 3 and having no local or systemically diseases which may lead to arthralgia. The control group consisted of 21 cases matched according to age and sex. The levels of anti-HPV IgG and IgM were examined in sera of patients and control groups.

Results: The levels of anti-HPV IgG and IgM in sera were not differing significantly between the patients with MS versus control group.

Conclusion: Although anti-HPV B19 IgG and IgM antibody levels were higher in MS patients, this difference between MS and control groups was not statistically significant. ©2004, Fırat Üniversitesi, Tıp Fakültesi