Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 30, 2026

Evaluation of T Follicular Helper Cells and Germinal Center Response During Influenza A Virus Infection in Mice
07:07

Evaluation of T Follicular Helper Cells and Germinal Center Response During Influenza A Virus Infection in Mice

Published on: June 27, 2020

5.9K

A case of polymyalgia rheumatica following influenza B infection

Kentaro Iwata1, Yasushi Mizuno2

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, Japan.

International Journal of General Medicine
|November 4, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a common elderly condition. This case report details the first instance of PMR developing after influenza B virus infection, suggesting a potential link between viral infections and PMR.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a common inflammatory condition in the elderly, characterized by widespread aches and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
  • The exact cause of PMR is unknown, but infectious agents and influenza vaccination have been implicated.
  • Potential links to human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) like HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1 are being investigated.

Observation:

  • An 85-year-old woman developed symptoms consistent with PMR.
  • The onset of PMR symptoms occurred shortly after contracting an influenza B virus infection.
  • This represents the first reported case of PMR following influenza virus infection.

Findings:

  • The case suggests a potential causal relationship between influenza B virus infection and the development of polymyalgia rheumatica.
  • This finding supports the hypothesis that infections may play a role in the etiology of PMR.
  • The specific mechanisms, whether viral antigen or other factors, require further investigation.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the need to consider influenza virus infection as a potential trigger for polymyalgia rheumatica.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the role of influenza virus infection in the pathogenesis of PMR.
  • Understanding this link may inform future prevention and treatment strategies for PMR.
Keywords:
etiologyinfluenzapolymyalgia rheumatica

More Related Videos

Rapid Molecular Detection and Differentiation of Influenza Viruses A and B05:38

Rapid Molecular Detection and Differentiation of Influenza Viruses A and B

Published on: January 30, 2017

16.3K
Modeling Dysplastic and Functional Lung Alveolar Repair after Influenza Infection07:45

Modeling Dysplastic and Functional Lung Alveolar Repair after Influenza Infection

Published on: September 19, 2025

604

Related Concept Videos

Influenza01:27

Influenza

Influenza is an acute, highly communicable viral disease that affects the respiratory tract and is responsible for seasonal epidemics worldwide. Influenza A is the most prevalent type associated with widespread outbreaks and is subtyped based on two surface glycoproteins: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N), as in H1N1. These glycoproteins are essential for viral infectivity, transmission, and immune recognition. Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets and contaminated...
37
Myocarditis III: Medical Management01:14

Myocarditis III: Medical Management

Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...
319
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
445
Acute Pharyngitis01:30

Acute Pharyngitis

Introduction
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
5.8K
Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease...
38
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
856