Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 14, 2026
Granulocyte-dependent Autoantibody-induced Skin Blistering
Published on: October 12, 2012
Pesticide exposure as a risk factor for pemphigus vulgaris: findings from a case-control study conducted in Liguria,
Giulia Gasparini1,2, Donatella Panatto3, Alice Brioni1,2
1Section of Dermatology, Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
Background:
Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and bullous pemphigoid (BP) are rare autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBDs) of unknown aetiology. Genetic and environmental factors have been described as triggers of autoimmunity. The latter include exposure to pesticides and industrial pollutants.
Objectives:
To investigate the incidence of AIBDs in Liguria, northern Italy, and to assess the association between exposure to pesticides and working in agriculture and AIBDs.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective observational study of the incidence of AIBDs in the Liguria region between 2014 and 2024. We also conducted a retrospective case-control study of patients in the province of Imperia, where the highest incidence of AIBDs was found, using a questionnaire to assess exposure to environmental and occupational risk factors.
Results:
The mean annual incidence of AIBDs (PV, 0.026 cases per 1000 inhabitants; BP, 0.102 cases per 1000 inhabitants) in Liguria was higher than the European average. In Imperia, the incidence of BP was significantly higher than the overall Ligurian incidence (P = 0.002). The retrospective case-control study found that exposure to pesticides in domestic settings and having worked in agriculture were associated with a higher risk of developing PV.
Conclusions:
The present study suggests and supports an association between pesticide exposure and the development of PV.
