title: Exacerbation of pemphigus after influenza vaccination.
abstract: Pemphigus is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by flaccid blisters and erosions on skin and mucous epithelia. A critical event in its pathogenesis is production of antidesmoglein antibodies, which mediate the loss of intercellular adhesion in epithelia, leading to blister formation. Multiple environmental factors (ultraviolet radiation, trauma, drugs, infective agents) have been suggested as possible triggers of pemphigus. Occasionally, the disease has been reported to follow viral and bacterial vaccination. We describe a patient who experienced exacerbation of pemphigus shortly after administration of the influenza vaccination on two separate occasions. We review the literature, suggest possible explanations for a causal relationship, and discuss the administration of vaccination to these patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: De Simone
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Caldarola
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: D'agostino
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zampetti
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Amerio
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Feliciani
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000473:pathology; D010392:Pemphigus / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D007252:Influenza Vaccines