Researchers have identified two new variants of lupus, from tests on patients in Africa.
The new variants of systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE, were identified by analysing blood samples for antibodies that attack proteins in healthy cells.
Nearly half of the patients tested carried an antibody previously associated with lupus which is linked to the classic symptoms including diseased organs and joints. The remainder of patients carried an antibody that targets a different protein in healthy cells. It has not previously been associated with lupus, and appears to create skin-related symptoms.
The second antibody has not been used in SLE diagnosis, so the team hope the findings could improve the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment.
Professor Francisca Mutapi of the University of Edinburgh, UK, and colleagues in Zimbabwe published the study on Sunday (16 September) in BMJ Global Health.
Professor Mutapi said: "For the first time, we have highlighted the importance of two variants of systemic lupus that affect black Africans, including one which was previously not defined in detail. Thanks to our research, we also have the means to diagnose and distinguish them."
Co-author Professor Elopy Sibanda added: "These findings will be valuable in diagnosing SLE in affected patients. It is currently difficult to diagnose lupus erythematosus, as many symptoms overlap with those of other locally prevalent conditions, including HIV."
Sibanda, E. N. et al. Evidence of a distinct group of Black African patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. BMJ Global Health 16 September 2018; doi: 10.1136/bmjgh-2017-000697
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