Oral Lichen Planus is associated with which infection and presents with which mucosal pattern?

Oral Lichen Planus is associated with which infection and presents with which mucosal pattern?

• A. Hepatitis B infection; vesicular lesions.
• B. HIV infection; mucosal ulcers.
• C. Hepatitis C infection; Wickham striae.
• D. Herpes simplex infection; vesicular lesions

Answer: (C)

Oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory condition of the mucosa that classically shows a lace-like white pattern called Wickham striae. This reticular, fine network is most often seen on the buccal mucosa, and can also appear on the tongue or gingiva. A well-established association with hepatitis C infection helps explain why this pair appears in exam questions. Wickham striae arise from hypergranulosis and a band-like lymphocytic infiltrate at the basement membrane, producing the characteristic white, interlacing lines. This pattern is not vesicular and does not present as topical ulcers like those seen with herpes simplex infections or with erosive forms of lichen planus, which helps distinguish it from other mucosal lesions.

Oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory condition of the mucosa that classically shows a lace-like white pattern called Wickham striae. This reticular, fine network is most often seen on the buccal mucosa, and can also appear on the tongue or gingiva. A well-established association with hepatitis C infection helps explain why this pair appears in exam questions.

Wickham striae arise from hypergranulosis and a band-like lymphocytic infiltrate at the basement membrane, producing the characteristic white, interlacing lines. This pattern is not vesicular and does not present as topical ulcers like those seen with herpes simplex infections or with erosive forms of lichen planus, which helps distinguish it from other mucosal lesions.