Detection of varicella-zoster virus antigens in lesional skin of zosteriform lichen planus but not in that of linear lichen planus.

BACKGROUND

Distinctions between 'linear lichen planus' (LP) and 'zosteriform LP' are difficult to determine solely based on clinical findings.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to determine whether the presence of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) antigens could be used to differentiate the zosteriform LP from the linear LP.

METHODS

We immunohistochemically investigated the presence of in vivo localization of VZV antigens in 8 LP lesions (zosteriform LP: n = 5, linear LP: n = 3).

RESULTS

We describe 2 cases of zosteriform LP without apparent prior episodes of herpes zoster, in whom VZV antigens were detected in the eccrine epithelium. Further analysis showed that VZV antigens were exclusively detected in the eccrine epithelium in the zosteriform LP lesions, but not in the linear LP lesions.

CONCLUSION

Etiological differences exist between zosteriform LP and linear LP. The presence of VZV antigens in lesional skin of the former indicates a possible triggering role of this virus in the pathogenesis of this variant.