COEXISTENCE OF RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS IN MARRIED-COUPLES - A SEARCH FOR ETIOLOGICAL FACTORS

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 8  (3) , 416-422
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and the genetic marker HLA-DR4 both appear to play a role in the etiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Antibodies to viral capsid antigen and the early antigen complex of the EBV as well as the HLA phenotype were studied in 6 families. Both spouses had classical or definite RA but none of their offspring, all adult, had any evidence of RA. At least 1 spouse of each couple had DR4 and this phenotype was found in 4 of the 8 offspring. All parents and their offspring were infected with EBV. This supports the association of DR4 and RA. The presence of DR4 in 4 normal adult ofspring was not associated with the absence of primary infection or enhanced levels of EBV-specific antibodies.

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