Prevalence of Infection Caused by Hepatitis C Virus in Patients with Lichen RuberPlanus

Overview

The authors report their results of examination of antiHCV-antibodies in a group of 24 patientssuffering from lichen ruber planus (LP). The evidence of these antibodies in only one patient withnegative test for HCV RNA genome seems to be only fortuitous and not in agreement with resultsobtained in other countries, where the immunological markers of HCV-infection were found in highpercentage (up to 38 %) of LP-cases. The authors stress the importance of still not disposable methodsof direct examination of HCV RNA genome in skin tissue which would serve for the better evaluationof serological findings as far as their relevance to the pathogenesis of LP is concerned.They also discuss the possible influence of geographical factors and age on the prevalence of HCVantibodies in LP-patients.

Key words:
lichen ruber planus - HCV - hepatitis C