Exposure to Epstein-Barr virus infection is associated with mild systemic lupus erythematosus disease

Gisele Zandman-Goddard, Yackov Berkun, Ori Barzilai, Mona Boaz, Miri Blank, Maya Ram, Yaniv Sherer, Juan Manuel Anaya, Yehuda Shoenfeld

Research output: Chapter in Book/ReportConference contribution

81 Scopus citations

Abstract

Infections may act as environmental triggers for the induction of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this study, we determine the relationship between disease manifestations of SLE patients and the titers of five Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) Abs. We evaluated the titers of early antigen IgG (EAG), nuclear antigen IgG, viral capsid antigen (VCA) IgG and IgM, and heterophile IgM, using the BioPlex 2200 multiplexed immunoassay method in 260 sera (120 SLE patients and 140 controls). EAG titers were significantly elevated (P < 0.024) in patients with cutaneous symptoms and increased anti-Ro antibody titers (P < 0.005). VCA IgG titers were significantly elevated (P < 0.003) in patients with joint involvement. None of the titers differed by central nervous system or renal involvement or antiphospholipid syndrome. We conclude that exposure to EBV infection may predict a disease phenotype of mild SLE disease with cutaneous and joint manifestations and elevated titers of anti-Ro Abs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationContemporary Challenges in Autoimmunity
PublisherBlackwell Publishing, Inc.
Pages658-663
Number of pages6
ISBN (Print)9781573317627
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2009

Publication series

NameAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences
Volume1173
ISSN (Print)0077-8923
ISSN (Electronic)1749-6632

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Neuroscience
  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • History and Philosophy of Science

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