Mannan-binding lectin levels and activity are not altered in atopic dermatitis patients with a history of eczema herpeticum.

Background. Eczema herpeticum (EH) is a potentially serious, systemic complication in subjects with atopic dermatitis (AD) caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). The innate immune dysregulation that predisposes these subjects to cutaneous viral infections is not well understood. We tested the hypothesis that defects in mannan-binding lectin (MBL) may be associated with an increased risk of EH. Methods. We evaluated serum MBL levels and functional activity in 13 AD subjects with a history of EH (EH+) and 21 AD subjects with no history of EH (EH-). MBL levels were detected by enzyme immunoassay. MBL pathway functional activity was evaluated by determining MBL C4b deposition capacity. Results. We found no statistical difference in MBL serum levels or function between EH+ and EH- groups. Conclusion. Considering the limitations of this study (e.g., small samples size) our findings suggest that MBL defects do not play a role in EH.