Seborrheic pemphigus associated with viral infection

Abstract

Association of viral infections with autoimmune diseases is a well-known fact. Herpesvirus infections are often assumed to be involved in the development of autoimmune pemphigus. It is however probable that the virus association with pemphigus is accidental, caused by iatrogenic immunosuppression and/or dysregulation of the host immune response. The authors present a case of seborrheic pemphigus manifestation associated with a chronic infection caused by cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus. High titers of specific IgG antibodies to protein components of these viruses indicate the persistence of herpesvirus infection and its probable subclinical course with involvement of various organs and tissues. Study of the role of viral infection in the development and course of autoimmune pemphigus considering the antigenic heterogeneity and formation of specific antibodies to the virus protein components is expected to promote the creation of more effective therapeutic protocols and new approaches to the treatment ofpatients suffering from autoimmune pemphigus.

Keywords

autoimmune pemphigus / Epstein-Barr virus / cytomegalovirus / herpesviruse group

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