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. 2008 Jul;59(1):137-9.
doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2008.02.005. Epub 2008 Mar 7.

Onset of alopecia areata after Epstein-Barr virus infectious mononucleosis

Thomas A Rodriguez  1 , Madeleine Duvic; National Alopecia Areata Registry
Affiliations

Onset of alopecia areata after Epstein-Barr virus infectious mononucleosis

Thomas A Rodriguez et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008 Jul.

Abstract

Background: The pathogenesis of alopecia areata (AA) is incompletely known. A positive family history in some points to a genetic predisposition, and discordance of the disease in identical twins suggests environmental triggers exist.

Objective: We sought to determine whether the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a possible environmental trigger for AA.

Methods: We queried the National AA Registry for all patients who self-reported sudden onset of AA with concurrent EBV mononucleosis.

Results: Among the 6256 individuals registered between December 2001 and August 2007, 1586 patients reported an environmental trigger-including 12 individuals who had an EBV infection within 6 months before the onset of AA.

Limitations: This study relies on self-reported data, and not all medical records confirming EBV infections were available for review.

Conclusion: The association between EBV and AA is worthy of further investigation.

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