Hydroa Vacciniforme and Epstein-Barr Virus: An Unlikely Duo

Patients with HV had significantly higher levels of EBV DNA than 35 patients with other photosensitivity diseases.

Hydroa vacciniforme (HV) is a rare photosensitivity that manifests as papulovesicles and scarring following ultraviolet A (UVA) exposure. Although the pathogenesis of HV is unknown, an association with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been suggested. Investigators performed a detailed study to assess the involvement of EBV in seven adults with HV.

UVA radiation was administered to the skin of three of these patients with active HV for up to 5 consecutive days and produced the characteristic umbilicated papulovesicles. Biopsy specimens taken from the photo-induced lesions were found to have significantly more EBV-positive cells than adjacent normal skin, an observation that was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. On electron mi…

Reviewing Author

Craig A. Elmets, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Astellas Pharmaceuticals

EquityVaxin

Grant / Research support NIH; NIH/NCI; Veteran’s Administration; Ferndale Laboratories; Kyowa Hakko Kirin Pharma, Inc.

Editorial boards Cancer Prevention Research; Photodermatology, Photoimmunology, & Photomedicine; UpToDate; eMedicine; Journal of Dermatological Sciences; JAMA Dermatology

Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Vice Chair, Committee on Science and Research); Photomedicine Society (Board of Directors)