Thomas A Rodriguez1, Madeleine Duvic. 1. Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030-4009, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of alopecia areata (AA) is incompletely known. A positive family history in some points to a genetic predisposition, and discordance of the disease in identical twins suggests environmental triggers exist. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine whether the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a possible environmental trigger for AA. METHODS: We queried the National AA Registry for all patients who self-reported sudden onset of AA with concurrent EBV mononucleosis. RESULTS: Among the 6256 individuals registered between December 2001 and August 2007, 1586 patients reported an environmental trigger-including 12 individuals who had an EBV infection within 6 months before the onset of AA. LIMITATIONS: This study relies on self-reported data, and not all medical records confirming EBV infections were available for review. CONCLUSION: The association between EBV and AA is worthy of further investigation.
BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of alopecia areata (AA) is incompletely known. A positive family history in some points to a genetic predisposition, and discordance of the disease in identical twins suggests environmental triggers exist. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine whether the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a possible environmental trigger for AA. METHODS: We queried the National AA Registry for all patients who self-reported sudden onset of AA with concurrent EBV mononucleosis. RESULTS: Among the 6256 individuals registered between December 2001 and August 2007, 1586 patients reported an environmental trigger-including 12 individuals who had an EBV infection within 6 months before the onset of AA. LIMITATIONS: This study relies on self-reported data, and not all medical records confirming EBV infections were available for review. CONCLUSION: The association between EBV and AA is worthy of further investigation.
Authors: Tongyu Cao Wikramanayake; Elizabeth Alvarez-Connelly; Jessica Simon; Lucia M Mauro; Javier Guzman; George Elgart; Lawrence A Schachner; Juan Chen; Lisa R Plano; Joaquin J Jimenez Journal: Cell Stress Chaperones Date: 2010-06-27 Impact factor: 3.667
Authors: K J McElwee; A Gilhar; D J Tobin; Y Ramot; J P Sundberg; M Nakamura; M Bertolini; S Inui; Y Tokura; L E King; B Duque-Estrada; A Tosti; A Keren; S Itami; Y Shoenfeld; A Zlotogorski; R Paus Journal: Exp Dermatol Date: 2013-09 Impact factor: 3.960