Can HSV trigger autoimmune diseases?

[daphne500]

Dear Doctors.,
Could a newly aquired hsv 2 infection be a possible ''trigger'' for autoimmune conditions such as  lupus, Sjögren's, rheumatoid arthirits etc? Have there been any links to hsv bring on these things?
Any thoughts on what role suppression (Valtrex, etc ) would play in the delay of those conditions?
I realize its not an easy question but would appreciate your thoughts.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Although it has been suggested from time to time, there is no data to prove that infections of any sort "turn on" autoimmune diseases.  Many vial illnesses, including herpes, have been studies to explore this theory but no high quality studies have supported it.

As for treatment delaying such conditions or modifying the corse.  There is even less data to suggest that this might happen.  sorry.   EWH

[daphne500]

Thank you Dr Hook-
I have tried to find studies and have only found merely 'suggestive" ones with no real "proof". I appreciate your reply. I wanted to ask in my post but forgot to-
do you feel stress itself  can "turn on" these  illnesses? As in the immense stress from finding out about having  hsv etc? Just wondering yoru thoughts on the role of stress  activating diseases  that have been dormant in the body-or even  triggering herpes outbreakks for that matter.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

The role of stress in herpes has been studied and showed no relationship between herpes recurrences and stress.  That said, I do believe that I have seen patients in whom stress can make things worse and make recurrences more frequent.  The mind is a powerful, poorly understood influence on the course of disease.  This however is outside my area of expertise and anything more I had to say would be guesswork.  EWH

[daphne500]

You are always so helpful Dr. Hook.
A million thanks for all of your advice and all that you and Dr Handsfield do.

[nasty symptoms]

I just wanted to say that I read an article on the internet that Chlamydia can cause the autoimmune disease Guillain Barre syndrome. I have had some real strange symptoms (sensory neuropathy) after a sexual encounter resulting in burning after urination which was treated but I still have there strange sensory symptoms. There is also Reactive Arthritis caused by Chlamydia which also is autoimmune.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

You are correct, reactive arthritis indeed is a problem which can FOLLOW chlamydia infection.  As for Guillian Barre, there are no credible relationships between it and chlamydial infection.  The article you read was a case of "true-true/unrelated".  The reative realtionship association if VERY, VERY rare.  EWH