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. Gary 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.

SOURCE: Journal of Molecular Neuroscience, February 2005.