Abstract
BACKGROUND: Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein immunoglobulin G (MOG-IgG) positivity has been reported in some people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), posing a diagnostic challenge. However, most studies have been conducted in predominantly Caucasian populations. We aimed to determine the frequency of MOG-IgG in a large, predominantly Asian MS cohort using a validated MOG-IgG assay. METHODS: Between 2005 and 2024, consecutive people diagnosed with MS according to the 2017 McDonald criteria were enrolled from the National Cancer Center registry. Serum samples from 405 pwMS were tested for MOG-IgG using an in-house live cell-based assay at a 1:20 dilution. Borderline or positive samples were retested at a 1:100 dilution by investigators blinded to clinical data. RESULTS: Among the 405 pwMS (98% Asian, 66% female, median age at onset 28 years), the overall proportion of MOG-IgG positive or borderline results was 1.5% (n = 6). Clear MOG-IgG positivity was extremely rare (n = 1, 0.3%), though positive or borderline results at low titer only were observed in 1.2% (n = 5) of pwMS. CONCLUSIONS: True MOG-IgG positivity in MS is uncommon across populations, but low titer positive or borderline results may complicate diagnosis. Comprehensive clinical assessment remains essential, and repeat testing at higher dilutions can be helpful to avoid misdiagnosis.