Oral conditions in hepatitis C virus-infected Iranian patients: a case-control study

Abstract Aim: Hepatitis C virus is now found worldwide, giving rise to concern that general populations might become infected. Extrahepatic manifestations might indicate latent disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between oral lichen planus and xerostomia with hepatitis C virus infection in an Iranian population. Methods: The study (case) group consisted of 73 individuals with hepatitis C virus infection. The control group consisted of 139 age- and sex-matched individuals. All patients were examined for oral conditions, and their hepatitis C virus infection was confirmed by an antihepatitis C virus antibody and hepatitis C virus-RNA polymerase chain reaction. Results: The prevalence of oral lichen planus was 1.4% and 4.1% of individuals complained of a dry mouth. There were no statistically-significant differences between the case and control groups. Conclusion: Our findings reinforce other regional studies that there is no association between hepatitis C virus infection and oral conditions in the north of Iran, an area with a low prevalence of this infection.