ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to evaluate the possible role of herpes simplex virus type-I [HSV-I] infection and apoptosis in the etiopathogenesis of pemphigus vulgaris [PV]. The study included 29 patients with PV and 7 apparently healthy subjects as controls. The patients were grouped into three groups: Group I [recent acute onset [6 cases]], group II [chronic exacerbated under steroid therapy [16 cases]] and group III [chronic controlled with steroid therapy [7 cases]]. Apoptosis was detected in peripheral blood monocytes [PBMC] using flow cytometry and that in the skin by TUNEL. HSV-I DNA was detected in PBMC and the skin using PCR. The antibody titer of serum IgG for HSV-I was detected using indirect immunofluorescence technique [IF]. The study concluded that apoptosis is increased in PV. Both HSV-I and apoptosis have to be considered in the immune-pathogenesis and can be used for immuno-modulation and suggestion of strategy of therapy or even to prevent exacerbation