lupus

 

All lupus cases may be linked to a common virus, study finds.

Researchers say they finally understand the connection between the autoimmune disease and Epstein-Barr virus.

Epstein-Barr virus particles colorized red-orange. BSIP / BSIP/Universal Images Group via
An electron micrograph showing three Epstein-Barr virus particles colorized red-orange.

One of the most common viruses in the world could be the cause of lupus, an autoimmune disease with wide-ranging symptoms, according to a study published Wednesday.

Until now, lupus was somewhat mysterious: No single root cause of the disease had been found, and while there is no cure, there are medications that can treat it.

The research, published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, suggests that Epstein-Barr virus — which 95% of people acquire at some point in life — could cause lupus by driving the body to attack its own healthy cells. It adds to mounting evidence that Epstein-Barr is associated with multiple long-term health issues, including other autoimmune conditions. As this evidence stacks up, scientists have accelerated calls for a vaccine that targets the virus.

“If we now better understand how this fastidious virus is responsible for autoimmune diseases, I think it’s time to figure out how to prevent it,” said Dr. Anca Askanase, clinical director of the Lupus Center at Columbia University, who wasn’t involved in the new research

In lupus patients, an autoimmune attack can result in extreme fatigue, joint pain and skin rashes. In rare cases, the disease may lead to fatal or life-threatening issues such as kidney damage, or weaken the immune system so the body can’t fight off infections.

Scientists have long suspected a link between Epstein-Barr and lupus, but the exact connection had remained elusive. Dr. William Robinson, a co-author of the new study and chief of the division of immunology and rheumatology at Stanford University, said his new findings solve a major piece of that puzzle.

“From our perspective, it’s the key, missing mechanistic link,” Robinson said. “We think it applies to all lupus cases,” he added. Hundreds of thousands of people in the U.S. are living with the disease.

But Hoang Nguyen, assistant vice president of research at the Lupus Research Alliance, said it’s too soon to know if the mechanism is behind every case.

An infection with Epstein-Barr virus does not necessarily cause symptoms, especially among children, though the virus is also the most common cause of mononucleosis (often referred to as mono).

It's primarily transmitted by saliva from kissing or sharing drinks, food, utensils or toothbrushes. After someone is infected, the virus lingers permanently in the body, where it usually remains inactive — though not always.

The new study is not the first to tie Epstein-Barr to autoimmune issues. Past research has linked it to multiple sclerosis. Though not the sole trigger of MS, the virus may be part of a chain of events that leads to the disease.

source:NBCNEWS
Location: United States

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Emerging Coronavirus Variant in the USA

  The New Twist in the Tale: A Look at the Emerging Coronavirus Variant in the USA The coronavirus, ever the shape-shifter, has thrown another curveball in the USA with the emergence of a new variant. As whispers ripple through news feeds and anxieties swirl on social media, let's take a deep dive into this new player on the scene, addressing all aspects to stay informed and navigate this evolving situation. The Unfamiliar Foe: While details about the new variant are still unfolding, initial reports suggest it carries certain mutations that raise concerns. These mutations might confer advantages like: Increased transmissibility: The variant may spread more easily, potentially leading to a rise in case numbers. Immune evasion: It could potentially bypass some of the immunity built through vaccination or previous infections. Increased severity: Early data might suggest potential for causing more severe illness, although this needs further investigation. The Curre...
Read more

Kids Growth and Development

Image
 A Parent's Guide to Surviving the Teen Years A Parent's Guide to Surviving the Teen Years You've lived through 2 AM feedings, toddler temper tantrums, and the back-to-school blues. So why is the word "teenager" causing you so much anxiety? When you consider that the teen years are a period of intense growth, not only physically but morally and intellectually, it's understandable that it's a time of confusion and upheaval for many families. Despite some adults' negative perceptions about teens, they are often energetic, thoughtful, and idealistic, with a deep interest in what's fair and right. So, although it can be a period of conflict between parent and child, the teen years are also a time to help kids grow into the distinct individuals they will become. Understanding the Teen Years So when, exactly, does adolescence start? The message to send your kid is: Everybody's different. There are early bloomers, late arriv...
Read more

Latest on COVID

Image
Latest on COVID Cases, deaths, variants, vaccines, testing and more. COVID-19 cases continue to climb week-over-week as summer draws to a close, according to U.S. health data. Some regions of the United States are experiencing higher rates of positive COVID-19 tests than others, though reporting has slowed down enough nationwide that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has begun allowing more time to pass between certain types of updates, such as those on variant prevalence . However, amid the confusion of new strains, changing vaccine guidelines and cuts to vaccine development funding, the CDC continues to track cases, hospitalizations and deaths on a weekly basis. Here's what to know about the latest data. How many COVID-19 cases were reported nationwide?  Through the week ending Aug. 23, 11.2% of the 37,732 Americans tested were positive for COVID-19, according to the CDC's latest data. This was an increase from the prior week (9.9%). During the same...
Read more