Introduction: The association between viral infection and autoimmune diseases is a recognized incident however, its association with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has not been yet proved. This study aimed to assess the incidence and effect of HCV infection on clinical manifestations and disease activity on SLE patients. Materials and methods: Fifty SLE patients were enrolled in this study. They were screened for hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) antibody and divided into 2 groups: Group I: included 14 SLE patients who were positive for HCV antibodies (HCV/SLE). Group II: included 36 SLE patients who were negative for HCV antibodies (Non-HCV/SLE). Together with 30 HCV positive patients not suffering from SLE (Group III). All SLE patients were subjected to full history taking, thorough clinical examination, laboratory investigations including hepatitis C virus markers by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and determination of HCV viral load was done by the Amplicor HCV monitor test, CBC, liver function tests, Antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-dSDNA antibodies and Complement (C3&C4). Disease activity was evaluated according to the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index [SLEDAI] score. Abdominal Ultrasonography was also done. Results:
Conclusion: The association between HCV infection and SLE might increases the occurrence of constitutional features, fundus abnormalities, heamatological manifestations, cardiac manifestations and sicca symptoms but does not mean increased SLE disease activity that necessitate patient’s admission.
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