Oral lichen planus has an increased incidence with infection by which virus?

Oral lichen planus has an increased incidence with infection by which virus?

• A. HCV
• B. HIV
• C. HBV
• D. HPV

Answer: (A)

Oral lichen planus commonly shows an association with hepatitis C virus infection. This link is the best-supported among viruses because epidemiologic studies consistently find a higher rate of HCV infection in people with oral lichen planus compared to the general population, and some research even detects HCV RNA in lesional tissue. The condition is a T-cell–mediated inflammatory attack on basal keratinocytes in the oral mucosa, and chronic antigenic stimulation from HCV is thought to contribute to this immune response. While the roles of HIV, HBV, or HPV are not as clearly linked to oral lichen planus, the connection with hepatitis C remains the strongest. In clinical practice, testing for hepatitis C is considered in patients with oral lichen planus, especially if risk factors are present.

Oral lichen planus commonly shows an association with hepatitis C virus infection. This link is the best-supported among viruses because epidemiologic studies consistently find a higher rate of HCV infection in people with oral lichen planus compared to the general population, and some research even detects HCV RNA in lesional tissue. The condition is a T-cell–mediated inflammatory attack on basal keratinocytes in the oral mucosa, and chronic antigenic stimulation from HCV is thought to contribute to this immune response. While the roles of HIV, HBV, or HPV are not as clearly linked to oral lichen planus, the connection with hepatitis C remains the strongest. In clinical practice, testing for hepatitis C is considered in patients with oral lichen planus, especially if risk factors are present.