AUTOANTIBODIES AND COMMON VIRAL ILLNESSES

Objectives: To review the literature about common autoantibodies produ ced in association with viral infection. Methods: Medline review of th e medical literature published in English. Results: Common viral infec tions are often associated with low-titer, polyspecific autoantibodies . However, high-titer antinuclear antibodies, double-stranded DNA anti bodies, anticardiolipin antibodies, and other subtype antibodies may b e found. Hepatitis C and B virus, human immunodeficiency virus, and pa rvovirus B19 appear to be associated with autoantibodies more commonly than other viruses. Conclusions: Transient autoantibodies resulting f rom viral infections are not uncommon. Clinical and laboratory follow- up over time will help distinguish between connective tissue disease a nd self-limited illness. Copyright (C) 1998 by W.B. Saunders Company.