IMMUNOPEROXIDASE EVALUATION OF LICHEN PLANUS BIOPSIES FOR HEPATITIS C VIRUS

Abstract

LP is a papulosquamous dermatosis which has linked to infection with hepatitis C virus. There has been increasing evidence that LP is significantly associated with liver disease, especially viral hepatitis. The aetiology of LP is unknown but there are several theories involved in the pathogenesis, including immunological theory, lymphocytes particularly T-cells play a major role, other factors include antigen presenting cells, adhesion molecules and inflammatory cytokines, while most cases are idiopathic, some are linked to medication use or HCV infection. HCV is known to replicate in hepatocytes and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. It is unclear whether this virus induces LP and if so, whether these lesions are produced by direct cutaneous infection or by perturbation of immune system systemically or focally.