Viruses are attractive candidates for infectious etiologic agents or cofactors in the development of rheumatic diseases. The epidemic of HIV infection and the recognition of ldquo;emerging virusesrdquo; continues to fuel interest in the possible role of viruses in the pathogenesis of diseases without defined etiologies. During 1994, roles for parvovirus B19 in vasculitis and erosive rheumatoid arthritis were entertained. We were reminded that rubella infection may present with polyarthritis. Our understanding of the rheumatic disease manifestations of hepatitis C virus infection was broadened to include polyarthritis. A possible role for herpesviruses in Sjouml;gren's syndrome continued to be explored without definite resolution. Paramyxoviruses were offered as an agent in the development of Paget's disease. The retroviruses continued to attract attention because of rheumatic disease syndromes in AIDS patients and the ability of retroviruses to latently infect the host and alter host immune responses. This review highlights efforts made in the past year to elucidate the role of viral infection in rheumatic disease.
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