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Emerging viral infections in rheumatic diseases
Atul A Khasnis1, Robert T Schoen, Leonard H Calabrese
1Center for Vasculitis Care and Research, Department of Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism
|March 29, 2011
Summary
Emerging viral pathogens can cause diverse rheumatic manifestations. Rheumatologists must recognize these infections for timely diagnosis and treatment to improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Viral pathogens are increasingly recognized as significant contributors to rheumatic diseases.
- Understanding the evolving epidemiology of viral infections is crucial for clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review literature on emerging viral pathogens and rheumatic diseases.
- To enhance rheumatologists' awareness for early recognition and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of case reports, series, and articles from PubMed.
- Identification of viral and human factors influencing pathogen emergence.
- Consensus-based list generation of relevant emerging viral pathogens.
Main Results:
- Changes in epidemiology and rheumatic manifestations of known viruses observed.
- New viral pathogens are emerging due to environmental and human factors.
- Hepatitis B, HIV, and Chikungunya viruses highlighted for rheumatologic relevance.
Conclusions:
- Rheumatologists must be aware of emerging viral pathogens presenting with varied rheumatologic symptoms.
- Early recognition is key for appropriate treatment and prognosis.
- Anticipate increasing numbers of emerging pathogens; ongoing research is vital.
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