Open Access
Communication
COVID-19 and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Lambros Athanassiou1
Ifigenia Kostoglou-Athanassiou2, *
Georgia Kaiafa3
Christos Savopoulos3
Panagiotis Athanassiou4
Yehuda Shoenfeld5
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Submitted: 2 Jan 2025 | Revised: 17 Feb 2025 | Accepted: 27 Feb 2025 | Published: 3 Mar 2025

Abstract

Viruses may be involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. In particular, the viral etiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been discussed and extensively investigated. Epstein Barr virus may be implicated in the pathogenesis of SLE. The SARS-CoV-2 virus has been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmunity. The COVID-19 infection has been associated with the development of subacute thyroiditis, diabetes mellitus type 1, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and SLE.  The case of a female patient is described who developed fatigue, arthralgias, edema, joint pain and a generalized skin rash following a mild COVID-19 infection. Laboratory investigations were compatible with SLE.  In conclusion, the case of a patient is described who developed SLE after a mild COVID-19 infection.  This case shows that the SARS-CoV-2 virus may cause autoimmunity and that viruses may be implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic autoimmune diseases.

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Athanassiou , L., Kostoglou-Athanassiou , I., Kaiafa , G., Savopoulos , C., Athanassiou , P., & Shoenfeld , Y. (2025). COVID-19 and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Journal of Mosaic of Autoimmunity, 1(1), 4. https://doi.org/10.53941/jmai.2025.100004
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