Evaluation of Parvo Virus B19 infection in systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder. Its etiology involves genetic and environmental factors, leading to autoantibody production. Infections, particularly viral agents like Parvo Virus B19 (B19V), contribute to SLE pathogenesis, triggering flares and autoimmune responses. Our goal was to find out how common B19V infection is in SLE patients and whether there is a correlation between B19V viremia and the severity and activity of the disease. Methods: This prospective study carried out on 90 Participants were divided into two groups: 60 SLE patients who met Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) classification critrria and 30 healthy controls. Clinical assessments (medical history, Clinical examination, laboratory investigations), B19V detection via nested PCR and IgG, IgM anti B19V antibodies by ELISA were conducted. Results: There was significant differences between SLE patients and controls regarding B19V PCR positivity (35% vs. 10%, p = 0.011) and B19V IgG positivity (40% vs. 10%, p = 0.009), but no significant differences in B19V IgM positivity. Laboratory parameters did not differ between SLE patients with or without B19V DNA. Additionally, no significant correlations were found between B19V IgG and IgM titer and the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score. Conclusion: This study suggests that B19V may contribute to the exacerbation of SLE symptoms.Although its direct role in the disease's clinical presentation remains unclear due to the overlap of symptoms and lack of significant differences in clinical and laboratory parameters.