Investigation of viral etiology in idiopathic granulomatous mastitis

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the viral etiology and immune response in cases of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue samples obtained from 40 patients diagnosed with IGM and 40 control subjects with benign breast pathology were analyzed by PCR for the presence of Human herpes virus (HHV) types 6, 7, and 8; Epstein–Barr virus (EBV); Cytomegalovirus (CMV); Human papillomavirus (HPV); and Herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukins (IL)-2, IL-10, and IL-17A were measured using the ELISA method. RESULTS: A history of breastfeeding and childbirth was significantly more frequent in the IGM group. IL-10 and IL-2 levels were significantly higher in the IGM group. Although the mean TNF-α level was higher, the difference was not statistically significant; IL-17A levels were similar between groups. Viral deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was negative in all samples. CONCLUSION: The increase in cytokines indicating a T helper cell type 1 (Th1) response in IGM cases suggests immune activation against intracellular pathogens. However, the absence of detectable viral agents implies that the disease may be associated with a latent infection or autoimmune mechanisms. KEYWORDS: Cytokines, diagnosis, granulomatous mastitis, viruses