Journal of medical virology
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Epstein-Barr viral infection is one of the known environmental factors involved in development of Systemic Lupus Erythematous (SLE). Though not much is known about the exact role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in SLE pathogenesis, the theory of switching of lytic and lysogenic cycles of EBV in memory B cells fits well with the periods of waning disease activity and intermittent flares in SLE patients. In this study, we investigate the association of EBV antibody profile with clinical and serological parameters in SLE. ⋯ A significant increase was noted in the anti-VCA-IgG levels with dsDNA autoantibody positivity (P < 0.05). Though there was no significant association between EBV antibody profile and clinical manifestations, 100% seropositivity for anti-VCA-IgG was seen in SLE patients with renal manifestations. Association of anti-VCA IgG levels with presence of anti-dsDNA antibodies suggests a possible role of EBV as an environmental trigger in pathogenesis of SLE.