Background:Multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence has increased worldwide. The known genetic association for MS in the west has not been studied in detail in nonwhite populations and particularly Indians.Objective:The objective of this study was to evaluate some known genetic variations outside the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region associated with MS in patients of Indian origin.Materials and Methods:We investigated 10 gene-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP's) outside the MHC region in 300 patients and 720 unrelated controls. Genotyping was performed on an ABI7500 real-time polymerase chain reaction genotyping platform using predesigned TaqMan SNP genotyping assays.Results:CD6 gene associated SNP (rs17824933) showed significant association with MS (P = 4.2 × 10−5, odds ratio [OR] = 2.24, confidence interval (CI) = 1.51–3.33). A modest association was also noted for TMEM39A rs1132200 (P = 0.023, OR = 1.41, CI = 1.05–1.91) and IL2RA rs2104286 (P = 0.04, OR = 1.3, CI = 1.006–1.67). In the remaining SNPs, the allele frequencies were overexpressed in patients when compared to healthy controls.Conclusion:Our data illustrate the similarity in risk association between Indian and European populations for MS.

Background: Co-occurrence of other autoimmune disorders (AID) and autoantibodies in patients with autoimmune demyelinating CNS disorders have not been studied previously in patients of Indian origin. Objective: To determine the frequency of concomitant autoimmune disorders, anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) and antithyroid antibody (ATAb) and to evaluate the impact on clinical course of disease. Materials and Methods: A total of 111 patients with MS and 152 patients with non-MS demyelinating disorders were included. Demographics, clinical course and disability were recorded. History of other autoimmune disorders (AIDs) in patients and first degree relatives was noted. Serum ANA and ATAb were tested. Results: Concomitant AIDs were seen in 21% of MS and 19% of non-MS patients. Autoimmune thyroid disease was most frequent and seen in 10.8% of MS and 6.6% of non-MS disorders. Frequency of ATAb was significantly higher among MS group (MS 25.5% vs non-MS 13.2% P = 0.04) but that of ANA was similar between the 2 groups (MS 19.8% vs non-MS 26.9% P = 0.17). A positive family history of autoimmune disorders was noted in 20% of MS and 15.1% of non-MS disorders. Clinical course was unaffected by presence of concomitant AID and autoantibodies. Conclusion: Cooccurrence of autoantibodies and AID are seen in a significant number of patients with MS and non-MS disorders and influences clinical management.