The Prevalence of Antibodies against Desmoglein 1 in Endemic Pemphigus Foliaceus in Brazil

Abstract

The prevalence of antibodies against desmoglein 1 is high among normal subjects living in an area among where fogo selvagem is endemic, and the onset of the disease is preceded by a sustained antibody response. These findings support the concept that the production of antibodies against desmoglein 1 is initiated by exposure to an unknown environmental agent.