The authors report their results of examination of antiHCV-antibodies in a group of 24 patients suffering from lichen ruber planus (LP). The evidence of these antibodies in only one patient with negative test for HCV RNA genome seems to be only fortuitous and not in agreement with results obtained in other countries, where the immunological markers of HCV-infection were found in high percentage (up to 38 %) of LP-cases. The authors stress the importance of still not disposable methods of direct examination of HCV RNA genome in skin tissue which would serve for the better evaluation of serological findings as far as their relevance to the pathogenesis of LP is concerned. They also discuss the possible influence of geographical factors and age on the prevalence of HCV antibodies in LP-patients.

        Key words: lichen ruber planus - HCV - hepatitis C