10 Pityriasis Rosea Facts
Fact #5: Thought to Be Due to Possible Infectious Agents
Since the cause of pityriasis rosea is still unknown, several theories have been proposed. One of the theories regards the possible infectious agents that precipitate the condition. Viruses that have been studied include picornavirus, parvovirus B19, Epstein-Barr virus, human herpesvirus 8, 1, and 2, and cytomegalovirus. However, the serology and polymerase chain reaction for these viruses have been found to be negative in patients with pityriasis rosea.
Another proposed possible pathogen is the influenza virus H1N1. There are also some investigators who suggested that a fungal infection is a possible causative factor. So far, searching for an infectious explanation for pityriasis rosea has been unsuccessful.
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