Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune syndrome causing both organ and cell damage done by tissue-binding autoantibodies and immune complexes. Skin, joints, kidneys, lungs, and the neurological system can all be affected by this condition. Viral infections are main environmental variables in the pathogenesis of SLE, and they can cause illness initiation and recurrence, as well as modify clinical phenotypes.
Objective: The aim of this study was to measure levels of anti-rubella virus IgG in serum of Iraqi patients with SLE diseaseand to measure the levels of some markers including S. creatinine, blood urea, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and the reasons for their elevation in serum of patients.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in Baghdad Teaching Hospital and Typical Rheumatology Unit through the period from October 2021 to January 2022. 103 Iraqi patients with SLE disease and 50 healthy Iraqi individuals were included as control group Blood samples were collected and the anti-rubella IgG for all subjects (for 57 patients and 34 control) was measured by the sandwich enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay technology. Serum creatinine, blood urea, AST and ALT were measured using the automated method.
Results: Anti-Rubella IgG, B. urea, S. creatinine, AST and ALT were significantly higher in patients' group compared to control group. While, there was non- significant difference regarding age between studied groups.
Conclusion: Anti rubella virus IgG and some parameter can be used as markers for SLE disease activity.