Pityriasis rosea is not associated with human herpesvirus 7.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the proposed association between pityriasis rosea and human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7).


METHODS
A retrospective cross-sectional survey.


METHODS
University medical center in Switzerland.


METHODS
Thirteen patients with pityriasis rosea and 14 persons with normal skin (control subjects).


METHODS
Detection of HHV-7-specific DNA sequences and antigen (85-kd phosphoprotein [pp85]) by nested polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical analysis, respectively.


RESULTS
Human herpesvirus 7 DNA sequences and expression of the HHV-7-specific immunodominant pp85 antigen were found in 1 (8%) of 13 lesional skin biopsy specimens of pityriasis rosea. The prevalence of HHV-7 DNA sequences and antigens is even slightly lower in lesional skin of patients with pityriasis rosea than in clinically and morphologically normal skin of 14 control persons, in 2 of whom (14%) HHV-7 DNA sequences and antigens could be detected.


CONCLUSIONS
The low detection rate of HHV-7 DNA sequences and antigens argues strongly against a causative role for HHV-7 in the pathogenesis of pityriasis rosea.
Kempf
W
W
Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.
Adams
V
V
Kleinhans
M
M
Burg
G
G
Panizzon
R G
RG
Campadelli-Fiume
G
G
Nestle
F O
FO
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D001706:Biopsy; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D016199:Herpesvirus 7, Human / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017515:Pityriasis Rosea / Q000821:virology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000956:Antigens, Viral; D004279:DNA, Viral