Detection of Microbial DNA in Skin Lesions from Patients with Behçet’s Disease

Abstract

The presence of Bes-1 DNA seems to be more closely related to the pathogenesis of BD than the presence of HSV1/2. Our results suggest a causative role for Bes-1 in the pathogenesis of BD and a correlation with chronic focal infection in the oral cavity. Consistent PCR-ISH findings are crucial for demonstrating a causal association between an infectious agent, Bes-1, and skin lesions in patients with BD. Therefore, further studies, probably utilizing double staining for characterizing of PCR-ISH-positive cells, may elucidate the role of the streptococcal antigen, Bes-1, in the pathogenesis of BD lesions.