Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Antigen Among Patients with Lichen Planus in Alkhalis City

Abstract

Background: Lichen planus is an idiopathic inflammatory disease with characteristic clinical and pathologic features affecting the skin, mucous membranes, nails, and hair. It is likely that both endogenous (genetic) and exogenous (environmental) factors such as some drugs or some infection(s) may interact to elicit the disease. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of hepatitis C virus antigen among the patients with lichen planus and comparison with healthy control group. Materials and methods: Twenty patients with lichen planus were included in this study (12 males and 8 females) and (40) healthy control (28 males and 12 females), their ages ranged from (15-60) years, obtained from Alkhalis hospital during the period from 1st February to 30th September 2013, using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique to detect anti HCV antibody in patients serum and control group. Results: Two (10 %) had positive results for hepatitis C virus antigen (2) out of (20) patients suffering from lichen planus, while none of the within healthy control group had positive result. Statistically significant relationship was observed between both of them. Conclusion: The frequent study showed a difference in prevalence of hepatitis C virus in patients with lichen planus and healthy control.