ABERRANT CELLULAR-LOCALIZATION OF RUBELLA VIRAL GENOME IN PATIENTS WITH ADULT STILLS DISEASE - A PILOT-STUDY

The rubella virus (RV) genome was detected using polymerase chain ampl ification techniques in several peripheral blood cell populations in p atients with adult Still's disease (ASD) and normal controls (NC), inc luding mononuclear cells (PBMC), B-cells, T-cells, monocyte/macrophage s, and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). Five of 6 ASD patients and 3 of 6 NC subjects had detectable RV genome. Viral genomic load was si gnificantly higher in ASD than in NC subjects (4.4 fold higher, p=0.03 ). Interestingly, a differential cellular distribution of viral genome was observed between ASD and NC individuals. RV genome was detected m ore frequently in the PBMCs of ASD (5 of 6) patients compared to 2 of 6 NC. The viral genome was more localized to the PMN compartment equal ly in ASD and in NC subjects. On further cellular analysis, RV genome was detected in B-cells and macrophages but not T-cells in one patient . Existence of a differential viral genomic reservoir between ASD and NC suggests that this may play a role in the pathogenesis of disease m anifestations and may reflect the inability to clear latent virus.