LICHEN PLANUS AND IT'S ASSOCIATION WITH HEPATITIS C VIRUS INFECTION

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus is a blood borne agent transmitted by apparent and inapparent parenteral procedures representing a frequent cause of liver disease worldwide. _Both acute and chronic HCV infection may affect the liver as well as various non-hepatic tissues.

Numerous extrahepatic disorders have been recognized in association with HCV infection among which dermatological diseases occupy a central part. Lichen. planus is one of the skin diseases frequently coexisted with HCV infection.

Lichen planus is a mucocutaneous disease characterized by compact orthohyperkeratosis, a prominent granular layer, mild vacuolar degeneration of the basal layer keratinocytes, and a dense subepidermal, well-defined, band­ like infiltmte of lymphocytes and histiocytcs. Its etiology is unknow11 but the immunologic system plays a leading role in the pathogenesis.

The aim of this study is to investigate the frequency of HCV infection among lichen planus patients, and the trial to clarify if there is an association between anti-HCV positivity and lichen planus.

To achieve this goal, three groups of patients were selected. Group Ia,

35 patients suffering from CLP, Group lb, included 15 patients complaining of OLP. Group II, included 35 patients known to have chronic liver disease with positive anti-HCV antibodies.