INTRODUCTION: The etiology of lichen planus (LP) is unknown. The possible role of hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been studied with controversial results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HCV infection in 36 patients with lichen planus (LP) confirmed by histopathology, 12 in a retrospective way, and 24 in a prospective one. The controls were 60 consecutive blood donors from the Blood Bank of the hospital. Third generation enzyme immunoassay screening test was employed for determination of antibodies against HCV. RESULTS: A prevalence of HCV infection of 2.77% in LP patients, and 0% in control group (Fisher's exact test--p=0.375). CONCLUSIONS: We found in our patients with LP a lower prevalence of positive serology for HCV than that reported in the literature. Since all studies have found patients with LP without infection by HCV, we think that other factors in the pathogenesis of this dermatosis need to be studied.
INTRODUCTION: The etiology of lichen planus (LP) is unknown. The possible role of hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been studied with controversial results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HCV infection in 36 patients with lichen planus (LP) confirmed by histopathology, 12 in a retrospective way, and 24 in a prospective one. The controls were 60 consecutive blood donors from the Blood Bank of the hospital. Third generation enzyme immunoassay screening test was employed for determination of antibodies against HCV. RESULTS: A prevalence of HCV infection of 2.77% in LP patients, and 0% in control group (Fisher's exact test--p=0.375). CONCLUSIONS: We found in our patients with LP a lower prevalence of positive serology for HCV than that reported in the literature. Since all studies have found patients with LP without infection by HCV, we think that other factors in the pathogenesis of this dermatosis need to be studied.