The Association Between Oral Lichen Planus and HCV Infection

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible epidemiological relationship between Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection in Peshawar. Methods: This case control study was conducted on three groups of patients who were investigated for HCV infection. Group I (78 Patients) clinically and histological confirmed OLP were tested for HCV infection. Group II (78 Patients) control group seeking treatment for other mucosal lesions were screened for HCV infection. Group III (1809 patients) volunteers control group consisted ofhealthy persons who came to Khyber college of dentistry, Peshawar for dental treatment were also screened for HCV infection. Results: In group I, 1(1.28 %) patients were found HCV positive with age range of 30-65 years. In group II, 2(2.86 %) patients were HCV positive while in group III, 56(3.09%) patients were HCV positive. The weak association between OLP and HCV infection was seen in these patients. The result was not significant in the participants P>0.05. Conclusion: This study suggested that no clear relationship could be established between OLP and HCV infection in Peshawar.