HCV seropositivity in patients with lichen planus

Objectives to determine the frequency of hcv seropositivity in patients diagnosed with lichen planus (lp). methods this cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of dermatology unit-ii,mayo hospital,and lahore. sera of 100 patients of lp diagnosed clinically and by histopathology in doubtful cases were assessed for hcv seropositivity. the patients were screened for the presence of anti-hcv antibodies by second generation elisa. results 14% of lp patients showed anti-hcv antibodies. among these,9 (9%) were females while 5 (5%) were males. ages of the patients ranged from 3 to 70 years. majority (64%) of the patients seropositive for hcv were 16 to 45 years of age. conclusion all patients of lp should be screened for hcv seropositivity to detect undiagnosed cases of hepatitis c virus.