Does Epstein-Barr Virus Infection Contribute to Disease Flares in Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Abstract

Although effective treatment and good adherence to their DMARDs, some patients with rheumatoid arthritis experience transient worsening in severity of disease for which the causes remain unknown. Here the authors comment the potential contribution of Epstein-Barr virus infection in rheumatoid arthritis and the relationship between such infection and the Toll-like receptor system in the exacerbation of the inflammatory response.