Is there an association between pemphigus and hepatitis viruses? A population-based large-scale study

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Hepatology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The relationship between autoimmune blistering diseases like pemphigus and viral infections, specifically hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV), is not well-established.
• Previous research has not sufficiently explored the potential link between pemphigus and chronic HBV or HCV infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between pemphigus and chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections.
• To compare the prevalence of HBV and HCV in pemphigus patients versus a matched control group using a large real-world database.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study design was employed using the Clalit Health Services database.
• 1985 pemphigus patients were compared with 9874 age-, sex-, and ethnicity-matched controls.
• Univariate (chi-square, Student's t-test) and multivariate (logistic regression) analyses were used to assess the association.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of chronic HBV infection was significantly higher in pemphigus patients (1.2%) compared to controls (0.6%, p=0.008).
• Multivariate analysis confirmed a significant association between pemphigus and HBV (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2-3.90).
• No significant difference in HCV carrier state was observed between pemphigus patients (1.1%) and controls (1.0%, p=0.732), with no significant association identified (OR 1.1, 95% CI 0.7-1.7).

Conclusions:

• Patients with pemphigus demonstrate a higher prevalence of chronic hepatitis B virus infection.
• There is no identified association between pemphigus and chronic hepatitis C virus infection.
• Further research may elucidate the mechanisms underlying the association between HBV and pemphigus.