Viral detections reinforce the possible viral participation in the pulmonary fibrosis disease

Abstract

Introduction: Viruses in general represent a factor of aggression to lung tissue in fibrosing interstitial pneumonias. In this regard, the aim of this study was to investigate the presence or absence of virus infections in 38 patients with interstitial lung diseases. Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemical staining was used for detection of measles virus (MV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), hepatitis-C virus (HCV), adenovirus (ADV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and herpes I and II viruses (HVI and HVII) in open lung biopsies of 13 patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF); 8 patients with non specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP); 13 patients with acute interstitial pneumonia (AIP) and 4 patients with idiopathic centrilobular fibrosis (ICF). Gender, age and immunosuppression therapy were also correlated. Results: Epithelial MV and CMV infection was detected in 30.8% and 15.4% of patients with AIP respectively. Endothelial CMV infection was observed in 25% patients with ICF. According to age patients were divided into two groups: patients £43 years and ‡72 years of age. The patients £43 years showed higher MV and CMV infection than the group ‡72 years. HCV infection was not observed. Conclusion: Viral infections observed in these diseases reinforce possible viral participation in pulmonary fibrosis. These findings are particularly relevant given the increased interest in epithelial injury and repair as it relates to the pathogenesis of many diffuse lung diseases.