title: Pathophysiology and clinical spectrum of infections in systemic lupus erythematosus.
abstract: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an inflammatory and multisystemic autoimmune disorder characterized by an uncontrolled autoreactivity of B and T lymphocytes leading to the production of autoantibodies against self-directed antigens and tissue destruction. Environmental factors, such as infections, which are an important cause of morbidity and mortality, are potential triggers of the disease. This article discusses bacterial, viral, and opportunistic microorganism infections in SLE, and the role of immunosuppressive therapy and immunodeficiencies in the disease.
authors.affiliation: Section of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1542 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA. rcucha@lsuhsc.edu
authors.forename: Raquel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cuchacovich
authors.forename: Abraham
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gedalia
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D007153:Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy; D007239:Infections / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology