Systemic lupus erythematosus secondary to infection with Epstein-Barr virus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, systemic, idiopathic and autoimmune disease. Infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a risk factor associated with the development of SLE. Almost all pediatric patients with SLE have serological evidence of EBV infection. Patients with SLE have increased EBV viral load in serum and saliva. These patients have 15-30 times the amount of viral DNA in peripheral blood. In this case the association between SLE and EBV infection is shown as well as the possibility of viral involvement as a trigger for the development of an aggressive form of LES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]