What autoantibodies can be seen in the course of viral infection and what are their implications?
Autoantibodies such as rheumatoid factor (RF) and antinuclear antibody (ANA) can be detected in patients with many viral infections. Because these patients can develop symptoms and signs that mimic rheumatic diseases, such as RA, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or Sjögren syndrome (SS), the clinician must be careful to avoid inappropriate laboratory testing, diagnosis, and treatment.
