Study of the Association Between Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus Type I Infection and Lichen Planus

Objective(s): Lichen Planus is a common disease with unknown etiology which affects the skin and mucosa. Recent studies have focused on the possible role of the virus in the pathogenesis of Lichen Planus. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between the human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I and Lichen Planus. Methods and Materials: This case control study was conducted on a total of 200 patients. The case group consisted of 100 patients with a confirmed histopathological diagnosis of lichen planus disease and the control group consisted of 100 healthy blood donors without any signs or symptoms of skin diseases, who were similar in age and sex to the case group. Blood samples of both participants in the case and control group were examined for the presence of anti –HTLV-I antibodies using the ELISA method. The polymerase chain reaction for human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I was conducted in cases in which the anti- human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I antibody was positive, and statistical analysis was conducted on the obtained results. Results: One case in the case group was infected with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I; however, no infection was observed in the control group. The difference was not statistically significant (P = 1). Conclusion: Based on the obtained results, no association was observed between human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I infection and Lichen Planus.