Viral infections and antiphospholipid antibodies.
OBJECTIVE
To study the relationship between viral infections and the induction of antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies.


METHODS
We reviewed the medical literature from 1968 until 2000 using MEDLINE and the key words virus, infection, antiphospholipid, and anticardiolipin.


RESULTS
Anticardiolipin antibodies and/or lupus anticoagulant were associated with a number of viral infections, including hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus, cytomegalovirus, varicella zoster, Epstein-Barr virus, adenovirus, and parvovirus B. In many instances, the presence of these antibodies was associated with thrombosis.


CONCLUSIONS
The clinical significance of finding aPL antibodies in patients with viral infections remains unknown. In some patients, these antibodies may be transient and disappear within 2 or 3 months. In other susceptible individuals, they may persist and raise the question of whether infections may trigger the development of aPL antibodies in autoimmune diseases.
Uthman
Imad W
IW
Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon. iuthman@aub.edu.lb
Gharavi
Azzudin E
AE
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000276:immunology; D017152:Antibodies, Antiphospholipid / Q000032:analysis*; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000276:immunology; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000276:immunology; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000276:immunology*
D017152:Antibodies, Antiphospholipid