New Test Detects Multiple Sclerosis

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New Test Detects Multiple Sclerosis

Fri Apr 1, 2005 10:42 AM ET

By Karla Gale

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A protein pattern or

" molecular footprint " in the blood can distinguish

patients with multiple sclerosis from healthy

subjects, preliminary research suggests, which could

make diagnosis of the disease much easier.

Dr. M. Wolfe, at Predictive Diagnostics in

Vacaville, California, and colleagues obtained blood

samples from 25 patients with newly diagnosed multiple

sclerosis and 25 healthy subjects. A special X-ray

test and computer software were used to identify

protein patterns associated with the neurologic

disorder.

According to the report in the Journal of Molecular

Neuroscience, the test identified three patterns seen

only in patients with multiple sclerosis, not in

healthy subjects.

When multiple sclerosis is suspected in a patient,

even the combination of brain scans, analysis of

spinal fluid and patient history may not be sufficient

to provide a clear diagnosis, Wolfe told Reuters

Health.

Therefore, " the idea of using a simple blood test for

diagnosing multiple sclerosis is huge news, " he said.

Previously, Wolfe's team applied the same techniques

to identify protein patterns associated with

Alzheimer's disease and certain cancers.

© Reuters 2005. .

http://www.reuters.com/newsArt­icle.jhtml?type=healthNews & sto­ryID=8063195