Prevalence of hepatitis C virus antibodies and cryoglobulinemia in patients with leukocytoclastic vasculitis

Background: Several dermatologic manifestations of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have been described. The association of HCV infection, essential mixed cryoglobulinemia and leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LV) have been publi shed mainly in case reports. Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of HCV infection and cryoglobulinemia in patients with LV. Methods: Twenty-five cases of LV were tested for anti-HCV antibod ies by means of a third-generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and c ryoglobulins were detected by the precipitation method. Thirty healthy volu nteers served as control group. Results: Anti-HCV antibodies were detected in 2/25 patients with LV (8%) and none of the control group. Cryoglobulinem ia was detected in 1 patient with LV and none in the control group, Conclus ion: Although no significant difference between patients and the control gr oup was detected, the prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies in LV patients is a s high as 8%. Considering this, it seems reasonable to investigate the pres ence of HCV in unexplained cases of LV.