DNA and RNA antibodies in serum and CSF of multiple sclerosis and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis patients.

DNA and RNA (nucleic) antibodies were found in the CSF of 18 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) (out of 45), 11 with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) (out of 12) and 9 controls (out of 30). Viral (measles and rubella, by HAI) antibodies were present in all SSPE, 23 MS and 11 control patients. A clear correlation exists between (1) CSF immunological patterns, (2) oligoclonal aspect, (3) simultaneous presence of nucleic and viral antibodies, suggesting the local synthesis of both. This is confirmed by the comparison of the ratios IgG/antibodies in serum and CSF: the CSF ratio may be higher for nucleic and/or viral antibodies in SSPE and MS patients. Thus nucleic antibodies seem to be related to a persistent active infection within the central nervous system.