Human cytomegalovirus as a pathogenic agent in systemic sclerosis

Abstract EN

This study was performed on 20 patients suffering from systemic sclerosis and 10 healthy control subjects.

IgG and IgM antibodies against cytomegalovirus were measured in the serum to find their role as a pathogenic agent in this disease.

All patients had IgG antibodies positive and IgM negative results.

Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the antibody level.

There was a positive correlation between IgG antibodies and nail fold capillary hemorrhage and pericapillary edema, Raynaud's disease, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) and the diffuse form of the disease.

Again using the chi-square test to compare the data of the three groups, a statistical significant difference was found as regards oesophageal dysphagia, pulmonary affection, ANA, pericapillary hemorrhage and pericapillary edema.

These results prove that the human cytomegalovirus may be a participating factor in the pathogenesis of vasculitis and internal organ affection seen in systemic sclerosis.