Human papillomavirus type 5 in primary keratinocytes from psoriatic skin.

The role of human papillomaviruses (HPVs) in the pathogenesis of psoriasis is uncertain, and it has been postulated that the virus can act as a putative superantigen or it is activated from a latent status by inflammatory cytokines. To determine the involvement of HPV in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, primary cultures of keratinocytes from psoriatic lesions were analysed for the viral presence and for the production of inflammatory cytokines. Biopsies were taken from psoriatic lesions of 11 patients and from healthy donors undergoing plastic surgery.

Psoriasis during therapy with olanzapine.

The role of several drugs (lithium, betablockers, clonidine, digoxin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, interferon and tetracyclines) in inducing or exacerbating psoriasis is not completely understood. We report two cases of psoriasis in patients treated with olanzapine, a new drug used for psychotic disorders. In the first patient worsening of a pre-existing mild psoriasis occurred shortly after starting olanzapine treatment, followed by a relapse of the dermatological disease after a new administration of the anti-psychotic drug.