Evaluation of coexistence of the Human Herpesvirus type 8 (HHV‐8) infection and pemphigus

Background Human Herpesvirus type 8 (HHV‐8) is a new member of the herpes virus family, first found in the tissue of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)‐related Kaposi’s sarcoma. Environmental factors including viral infection may play a role in the onset and/or development of pemphigus. Some studies based on polymerase chain reaction findings suggest an association between HHV‐8 and pemphigus. The aim of this study is investigation of the association of pemphigus with HHV‐8 and the relationship between inflammatory and acantholytic cells with HHV‐8 infection. Methods Tissue‐extracted DNA from 41 paraffin‐embedded skin tissues from patients first presenting with pemphigus was tested using nested PCR for the presence of HHV‐8. A total of 37 cases had pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and 4 patients had pemphigus foliaceus (PF). For our control group, normal skin of 21 cosmetic surgery patients were included. Furthermore, microscopic slides with H&E staining were evaluated for the number of inflammatory and acantholytic cells per microscopic field. Results Skin lesions from 13 of 37 patients (35.1%) with PV and 2 of 4 cases (50%) with PF were positive for HHV‐8 DNA. All specimens in our control group were negative for this virus. Conclusion HHV‐8 infection might be a contributing factor in the initiation or development of pemphigus.