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Antiphospholipid antibodies and infections
1Rheumatic Diseases Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town School of Medicine and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
|April 16, 2003
Summary
Infections are linked to antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), but their role is often unclear. The distinction between "autoimmune" and "infectious" aPL types is not absolute, suggesting a more complex relationship.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Autoimmunity
Background:
- Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are frequently associated with various infections.
- The pathogenic role of aPL in infection is not well-established, with few exceptions.
- Previous classifications distinguished between "autoimmune" and "infectious" aPL types.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between infections and antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL).
- To examine the pathogenic role of aPL in infectious contexts.
- To re-evaluate the classification of aPL based on their association with infections.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on infections and aPL.
- Analysis of clinical case studies where aPL were present during infections.
- Comparative analysis of "autoimmune" and "infectious" aPL classifications.
Main Results:
- A significant association exists between numerous infections and the presence of aPL.
- The pathogenic contribution of aPL in infectious diseases is generally subtle, except in specific instances.
- The clear-cut separation between "autoimmune" and "infectious" aPL types has been challenged by recent findings.
Conclusions:
- The association between infections and aPL is common, though direct causality is often difficult to ascertain.
- The distinction between autoimmune and infectious aPL is not absolute and may represent a spectrum.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms linking aPL and infectious agents.