• J R Fisher and B E Ostrov.
• Penn State University College of Medicine, Rheumatology and Pediatric Rheumatology, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
• J Clin Rheumatol. 2001 Oct 1; 7 (5): 350-3; discussion 353.

AbstractInfectious diseases commonly cause illnesses that mimic rheumatic diseases. Both Lyme disease and Parvovirus B19 infections produce arthritis, rashes, and a systemic illness that may be thought to represent a chronic rheumatic disease. In the case presented, a child with both infections simultaneously exhibited arthralgias, aseptic meningitis, and a facial rash. The features of Lyme disease and Parvovirus B19 infection that may mimic systemic lupus erythematosus include a facial rash, often in a malar distribution, hematologic abnormalities, arthritis, neurologic disorders, and autoantibody positivity. Given the proper season and geographical location, one must consider the possibility of co-infection with these two organisms, especially in those with atypical rheumatic complaints.

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