SYSTEMIC LUPUS-ERYTHEMATOSUS ASSOCIATED WITH ACUTE EPSTEIN-BARR-VIRUSINFECTION

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem disease of unknown origin, characterized by a variety of autoimmune phenomena. Viruses h ave long been postulated to play a role in its pathogenesis, Several o bservations suggested a link between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and SLE, We describe a 14-year-old girl who presented with acute onset of SLE concurrently with clinical and laboratory findings consistent with EBV -induced infectious mononucleosis (IM). Evidence for acute EBV infecti on was confirmed by serological studies and detection of specific EBV antigens on kidney biopsy. This close association between EBV and SLE suggests a possible role of the virus in the pathogenesis of SLE in th is patient. (C) 1998 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.