Positive PCR of varicella tester in the CSF of two patients with multiple sclerosis

Two patients with primary manifestation of relapsing remitting multiple scl erosis had positive oligoclonal-bands in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), ele ctrophysiologically confirmed multifocal demyelinating lesions, pathologic MRT imaging with multiple periventricular gadolinium-enhancing cerebral les ions but only a partial synthesis of antibodies against measles, rubella, a nd varicella zoster viruses in the CSF (case 1: measles 2.0, rubella 1.7,ca se 2: measles 1.9). On the other hand, we detected a positive VZV-PCR for v aricella zoster in CSF by PCR technique without any clinical symptoms or ot her laboratory findings of an infection by varicella tester viruses. Antivi ral therapy was ineffective. We therefore conclude, that a positive PCR in the CSF increases the difficulty of diagnosing multiple sclerosis and shoul d only been taken into therapeutical consideration if clinical symptoms and other laboratory findings are present.