Posted on Nov 17, 2025
All lupus cases may be linked to a common virus, study finds
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The research, published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, suggests that Epstein-Barr virus — which 95% of people acquire at some point in life — could cause lupus by driving the body to attack its own healthy cells.
It adds to mounting evidence that Epstein-Barr is associated with multiple long-term health issues, including other autoimmune conditions. As this evidence stacks up, scientists have accelerated calls for a vaccine that targets the virus.
“If we now better understand how this fastidious virus is responsible for autoimmune diseases, I think it’s time to figure out how to prevent it,” said Dr. Anca Askanase, clinical director of the Lupus Center at Columbia University, who wasn’t involved in the new research.
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Epstein Barr almost killed one of my airmen, a young healthy man of 22 and caused him to be permanently disabled and discharged from the AF.
It adds to mounting evidence that Epstein-Barr is associated with multiple long-term health issues, including other autoimmune conditions. As this evidence stacks up, scientists have accelerated calls for a vaccine that targets the virus.
“If we now better understand how this fastidious virus is responsible for autoimmune diseases, I think it’s time to figure out how to prevent it,” said Dr. Anca Askanase, clinical director of the Lupus Center at Columbia University, who wasn’t involved in the new research.
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Epstein Barr almost killed one of my airmen, a young healthy man of 22 and caused him to be permanently disabled and discharged from the AF.
All lupus cases may be linked to a common virus, study finds
Posted from nbcnews.com
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Posted 18 d ago
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My Cousin was the longest living childhood "Lupus" survivor in modern times. Diagnosed at age five, they said she might make it to her teens. Later..they said 25 or 26. When she passed 40 they stopped telling her any dates for her demise. She died at 63.
Her life was both a Glowing Testimony to the Human Spirit, and the frightening quality of life that disease leaves you with. Especially when you consider she was basically a Lab Rat and Research gold mine for the Medical Community.
She graduated from college, owned her own home, and owned a small business - while in agony most days, disfigured and crippled- but her handicaps did not stop her. For her, every day was a struggle. She never complained. Never gave up. Even when they put her in an Iron Lung, and filled the darn thing with Mustard Gas, because her skin was turning into glass like brittleness. And that's just one of the things they tried on her.
And through it all, she smiled and asked you if you were okay.
She has always been at the top of my Hero list. And if they can come up with a way to stop it...I am all for that. They never found a way to stop her disease from advancing.
Her life was both a Glowing Testimony to the Human Spirit, and the frightening quality of life that disease leaves you with. Especially when you consider she was basically a Lab Rat and Research gold mine for the Medical Community.
She graduated from college, owned her own home, and owned a small business - while in agony most days, disfigured and crippled- but her handicaps did not stop her. For her, every day was a struggle. She never complained. Never gave up. Even when they put her in an Iron Lung, and filled the darn thing with Mustard Gas, because her skin was turning into glass like brittleness. And that's just one of the things they tried on her.
And through it all, she smiled and asked you if you were okay.
She has always been at the top of my Hero list. And if they can come up with a way to stop it...I am all for that. They never found a way to stop her disease from advancing.
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Cristina Johnson
A close friend of mine has lupus, and it’s been really hard watching how much it affects her daily life, the fatigue, joint pain, and everything else.I really admire her strength, the doctors didn’t think she’d make it to her 40s, and she never planned for a family, but she adopted a child, and our kids are now best friends. She’s still my best friend, and I hope I have her in my life for many more years. It’s great to see research looking at causes like Epstein-Barr,maybe it can help prevent it or lead to better treatments someday.
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SGT Kevin Hughes
Cristina Johnson - I agree, I hope your friend has good days...she sure has a good friend.
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SGT Kevin Hughes
I am so sorry to hear that diagnosis. Becoming a caretaker is a different ball of wax, than being a husband. And she is going to need both. Sending every good thought your way.
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