World Lupus Day sheds light on neglected disease
At least five million people around the world suffer from the chronic autoimmune disease, lupus.
Sufferers in Switzerland and around the world are hoping to draw attention to the debilitating illness on the first World Lupus Day on Monday.
“Lupus is a disease that attacks the immune system, and like the wolf from which it gets its name, it never lets go of its prey,” said Britta Krismer of the Swiss Lupus Erythematosus Association.
The immune system’s function is to protect the body by producing antibodies that destroy bacteria or viruses.
But the immune systems of lupus sufferers make antibodies that target the body’s own healthy cells, which can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, disability or even death.
“Lupus is like a chameleon in that it takes many forms and can attack any part of the body, from the skin and bones to vital organs such as the heart or kidneys,” Krismer told swissinfo.
Difficult to diagnose
Organisers of World Lupus Day are hoping to focus attention on an illness which can be difficult to diagnose.
“Because lupus can manifest itself in so many ways, doctors often diagnose the illness several years after symptoms have begun,” said Krismer.
Around three in 100,000 people suffer from lupus in Switzerland, though the figure is thought to be much higher in Africa and Asia.
Most sufferers are women between the ages of 15 and 45.
There is currently no cure for lupus. Doctors can only treat the symptoms and try to control the disease with a variety of drugs, especially anti-malarials or cortisone – though these drugs typically have strong side effects.
“Luckily we have very good doctors in Switzerland who are researching lupus and we work a lot with them,” Krismer said.
“But the world still needs to know more about this serious illness.”
swissinfo, Vanessa Mock
Around 100,000 new cases of lupus are reported around the world every year.
Lupus can take various forms, affecting the skin or any part of the body such as the joints and vital organs.
It is thought to be triggered by defective genes and environmental factors such as infections or certain antibiotics.
Nine out of ten sufferers are women.
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