Merkel Cell Polyomavirus DNA in Persons without Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) DNA was detected in 88% of Merkel cell carcinomas in contrast to 16% of other skin tumors. MCPyV was also found in anogenital and oral samples (31%) and eyebrow hairs (50%) of HIV-positive men and in forehead swabs (62%) of healthy controls. MCPyV thus appears to be widespread.

Keywords

• Merkel cell polyomavirus
• MCPyV
• Merkel cell carcinoma
• human papillomavirus
• HPV
• human immunodeficiency virus