Detection of herpes simplex virus in exacerbated pemphigus vulgaris by polymerase chain reaction.

BACKGROUND: Herpes simplex virus infections are well known complications of various dermatoses and have also been reported in acantholytic diseases like pemphigus vulgaris or Darier's and Hailey-Hailey diseases. In pemphigus vulgaris, herpes simplex virus infection is considered to be rare and difficult to rule out clinically.

OBJECTIVE: We report on 3 patients suffering from pemphigus vulgaris with exacerbation especially of lesions of the oral mucosa.

METHODS AND RESULTS: While conventional techniques failed to unequivocally support a suspected herpetic infection, herpes simplex virus-specific DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in cytological swabs taken from oral erosions of all 3 patients.

CONCLUSION: Herpetic infection should be considered in pemphigus vulgaris with lack of improvement under adequate immunosuppressive therapy. In addition, herpes simplex virus infection might to able to induce acute exacerbation of oral pemphigus. PCR can be useful for a highly sensitive and rapid molecular detection of herpes simplex virus.