DETECTION OF HERPES-SIMPLEX VIRUS IN EXACERBATED PEMPHIGUS-VULGARIS BY POLYMERASE CHAIN-REACTION

Background: Herpes simplex virus infections are well known complicatio ns of various dermatoses and have also been reported in acantholytic d iseases like pemphigus vulgaris or Darier's and Hailey-Hailey diseases . In pemphigus vulgaris, herpes simplex virus infection is considered to be rare and difficult to rule out clinically. Objective: We report on 3 patients suffering from pemphigus vulgaris with exacerbation espe cially of lesions of the oral mucosa. Methods and Results: While conve ntional techniques failed to unequivocally support a suspected herpeti c infection, herpes simplex virus-specific DNA was detected by polymer ase chain reaction (PCR) in cytological swabs taken from oral erosions of all 3 patients. Conclusion: Herpetic infection should be considere d in pemphigus vulgaris with lack of improvement under adequate immuno suppressive therapy. In addition, herpes simplex virus infection might to able to induce acute exacerbation of oral pemphigus. PCR can be us eful for a highly sensitive and rapid molecular detection of herpes si mplex virus.