Association of HSV1/2 Infection and Pemphigus Disease

Abstract

Background:: Pemphigus is known as an autoimmune bullous disease of the skin and mucous membranes that is relatively prevalent in Iran. The herpes virus is one of the suspected factors that might have role in induction or exacerbation of pemphigus. Objectives:: Present study was performed to assess the prevalence of HSV1/2 infection in pemphigus patients referred to Shohada-e-Tajrish and Loghman-e-Hakim hospitals during 2010-2011. Patients and Methods:: Forty pemphigus patients enrolled in the study. A lesional skin or mucosal biopsy was taken from each patient and analyzed by PCR for detection of HSV1/2. The PCR results were positive or negative, and then the frequency of HSV1/2 infections in pemphigus patients was calculated. Results:: Ten patients (25%) had a history of orolabial herpes infection. The results of all samples were negative for HSV1 except one sample which showed the positive result for HSV2 in a patient with history of herpes infection. He was considerably resistant to treatment pemphigus vulgaris with about 60 skin lesions and 20 mucosal lesions. Adding Acyclovir to his treatment regime for ten days resulted in full recovery. Conclusions:: Prevalence of HSV1/2 in mucocutaneous biopsies from pemphigus patients is 2.5% and possibly HSV1/2 has no role in the pathogenesis of pemphigus lesions. But resistant cases to treatment might be suspected to HSV.