Autoantibodies and common viral illnesses.
OBJECTIVE
To review the literature about common autoantibodies produced in association with viral infection.


METHODS
Medline review of the medical literature published in English.


RESULTS
Common viral infections are often associated with low-titer, polyspecific autoantibodies. However, high-titer antinuclear antibodies, double-stranded DNA antibodies, anticardiolipin antibodies, and other subtype antibodies may be found. Hepatitis C and B virus, human immunodeficiency virus, and parvovirus B19 appear to be associated with autoantibodies more commonly than other viruses.


CONCLUSIONS
Transient autoantibodies resulting from viral infections are not uncommon. Clinical and laboratory follow-up over time will help distinguish between connective tissue disease and self-limited illness.
Hansen
K E
KE
University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison 53792, USA.
Arnason
J
J
Bridges
A J
AJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010322:Parvoviridae Infections / Q000276:immunology; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D014780:Viruses / Q000276:immunology*
D001323:Autoantibodies