Frequency and clinical associations of Epstein-Barr virus molecular detection in systemic lupus erythematosus: A follow-up study

Rodrigo Cutrim Gaudio, Alice Ramos-Silva, Katia Lino Baptista, Higor França Lima, Lilian Alves, Ana Patrícia Lemos, Natalia Rodrigues Querido Fortes, Daniele Maia de Jesus Valviesse, Fabiana Rabe Carvalho, Andrea Alice Silva, Jorge Reis Almeida, Thalia Medeiros, Multiuser Laboratory for Research Support in Nephrology and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rheumatology Unit, Hospital Universitário Antonio Pedro , Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal Fluminense

Lupus: An International Journal

Published online on March 24, 2026

Abstract

Lupus, Ahead of Print.
BackgroundThe “viral hypothesis” as an environmental factor that potentially triggers/modulates autoimmune diseases has been studied. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) stands out as a relevant agent in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). ...