Lupus (Does Kissing Disease Cause Lupus?)

SLE or systemic lupus erythematosus, (Lupus), has been recognized for hundreds of years, but even today, the etiology of Lupus remains obscure. Lupus presents in a variety of clinical presentations, which suggests that this syndrome may indeed have a variety of causes. One repeated occurrence, however, is EBV (Epstein-Barr Virus) infections in people suffering from Lupus. Multiple studies have demonstrated an association of EBV with Lupus. EBV (Epstein-Barr Virus) has also been implicated in the etiology of other autoimmune diseases, and is therefore not exclusive for Lupus. That having been said, at least six reports of Lupus occurring after EBV infection have been reported in the literature. Lupus can sometimes be severe and cause significant amounts of disability and loss of income, and the fact that lupus preferentially afflicts persons, especially women, in their prime, makes it even more urgent that the exact cause and pathophysiology of Lupus be uncovered. This video presents a case of new onset Lupus immediately after EBV infection and provides a clear and concise account of the possible mechanism by which infection with EBV may cause Lupus.