Herpes simplex virus: A seed or sequelae to pemphigus?

Abstract

Pemphigus vulgaris is a vesiculobullous lesion in which autoantibodies are produced against desmoglein-3 antigens. Despite having an autoimmune etiology, herpes simplex virus (HSV) is found to be an additional aggravating factor for this disease. Sometimes, there can be a coexistence between the two entities. Here, a unique case of a 65-year-old female patient who presented with the chief complaint of ulcers in the oral cavity for the past 2–3 months is discussed. Histopathologic and immunofluorescence investigations were suggestive of pemphigus, but the cytopathologic smears manifested characteristics indicative of HSV infection. The existence of a viral infection with the known case of pemphigus poses a potential difficulty in the classical treatment of the latter. This case report throws light on the interesting coexistence of these two disease processes, thus highlighting the pathogenesis and treatment plan which may have to be considered in such controversial cases.

Keywords

• herpes simplex virus
• oral
• pemphigus