Detection of herpes simplex virus DNA in cutaneous lesions of erythema multiforme by the polymerase chain reaction / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

Herpes simplex virus(HSV) infection has long been considered as a cause of erythema multiform(EM), especially the recurrent type, although its exact role in the pathogenesis of herpes-associated erytherna multiforme(HAEM) is unknown. In this study, HSV DNA was detected in 8 of 29 cases of EM by the polymerase chain reaction(PCR) and in 19 of 29 cases by Southern blot hybridization with PCR products. In 4 cases of EM, we performed PCR & Southern blot hybridization in both lesional and normal skin. HSV DNA was found in 3 of 4 cases of lesional skin but not detected in normal skins by Southern blot hybridization with PCR products. These results confirm the presence of HSV DNA in lesions of HAEM and support the concept of and HSV-specific immune-mediated pathogenesis for this disease.