Lupus Outbreak in Nigeria

Systemic lupus erthematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease in which tissues andcells undergo damage mediated by tissue binding auto-antibodies and immune complexes(McGraw, 2005).General findings include a much higher incidence in women estimated to be up to10-12 times than in men. The highest incidence is between 15 and 44 years of  age.(Academic press, 1999)  It, therefore, means that as much as ninety percent of patientsare women of childbearing age. Incidence of SLE has been studied in groups of various ethnic backgrounds, and all ethnic groups are susceptible. Worldwide, the prevalence of SLE differs and the frequency of SLE varies by race and ethnicity with higher rates reported in blacks and Hispanics. 

The incidence of SLE in black women is approximately 4 times higher than that in white women. Despite this high incidence seen in black persons in the United Kingdom, the disease is rarely reported in blacks in Africa suggesting a possible environmental trigger as well as a genetic basis, for the disease in the United Kingdom population.  The incidence of SLE in the developing world particularly in black Africa is, therefore, considered negligible. (Rheumatol,2009) This purported low incidence of autoimmune diseases in malaria - endemic tropical areas has been largely attributed to infection induced immuno suppression. However, it has been shown that there is an increased prevalence of SLE within people of African descent not living in Africa (Rheum, 1998). This is described as the "prevalence gradient hypothesis."

OUTLINE

·        INTRODUCTION

·        EPIDEMILOGY

·        CAUSES

·        SIGN AND SYMTOMS

·        DIAGNOSIS

·        GENETICS

·        MECHANISM OF ACTION

·        PROGNOSIS

·        PREVENTION

·        TREATMENT

·        MEDICATION

·        RECOMMENDATION

·        CONCLUSION

·        REFERENCES