From the Research
Association between Epstein-Barr Virus and Systemic Vasculitis
- Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) has been linked to the development of systemic vasculitis in various studies 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
- A study published in 2014 reported three cases of ANCA-associated vasculitis presenting with infectious mononucleosis due to primary EBV infection, suggesting a potential causal link between the two conditions 1.
- Another study from 2013 described a case of ANCA-associated systemic vasculitis in the setting of HIV infection, where EBV genome was found in reactive lymph nodes, indicating a possible association with the immunopathogenesis of vasculitis 2.
- Research from 2023 investigated the relationship between EBV and coronary artery lesions in Kawasaki disease patients, finding that EBV co-infection was prevalent and may contribute to the development of systemic vasculitis 3.
- A 2025 case report highlighted the association between EBV-positive polymorphic B-cell lymphoproliferation and systemic small vessel vasculitis, emphasizing the importance of biopsy-confirmed diagnosis and targeted therapy 4.
- A study from 2001 described a patient with X-linked lymphoproliferative disease who developed systemic vasculitis, with evidence of EBV DNA in arterial wall tissue and a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response to EBV antigens 5.
Mechanisms and Implications
- The exact mechanisms by which EBV contributes to systemic vasculitis are not fully understood, but may involve immune dysregulation, molecular mimicry, or other pathways 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The association between EBV and systemic vasculitis has implications for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of these conditions, highlighting the need for further research and clinical vigilance 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.