Related Experiment Videos
Adenovirus 12 and dermatitis herpetiformis
J Handley1, H O'Neill, J Connolly
1Department of Dermatology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, N. Ireland, UK.
Acta Dermato-Venereologica
|December 1, 1993
Summary
Human adenovirus type 12 (AD12) antibodies were not found more frequently in dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) patients than controls. This suggests AD12 does not play a causative role in DH pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Virology
Background:
- A-gliadin in gluten triggers coeliac disease (CD) via gluten-sensitive enteropathy (GSE).
- Human adenovirus type 12 (AD12) shares a peptide sequence with A-gliadin, suggesting cross-reactivity in CD pathogenesis.
- Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) presents with GSE-like symptoms and is gluten-associated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential role of AD12 in the pathogenesis of DH.
- To determine if past exposure to AD12 is more prevalent in DH patients compared to healthy individuals.
Main Methods:
- Sera from 40 DH patients and 18 healthy controls were tested for AD12-neutralizing antibodies.
- Antibody titres of 13 or higher were considered indicative of past viral exposure.
Main Results:
- Detectable AD12 antibodies were found in 15% of DH patients (6/40).
- Detectable AD12 antibodies were found in 27.8% of healthy controls (5/18).
- The difference in antibody prevalence between DH patients and controls was not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- The study findings do not support a causative role for AD12 in the pathogenesis of DH.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the viral and environmental factors contributing to DH.