A comparative study of Merkel cell, BK and JC polyomavirus infections in renal transplant recipients and healthy subjects.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare skin cancer associated with immunosuppression and the integration of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) DNA into the tumor cell genome. Little is known about the natural history of MCPyV infection.

Objectives

To investigate the presence of MCPyV, BK and JC polyomaviruses in serum and urine from immunosuppressed kidney transplant patients (KTx) and a control group of normal volunteers.

Study design

Quantitative real-time PCR (q-PCR) was used to assess MCPyV, BKV and JCV viral load in urine and serum samples collected from normal donors (Group A), prospectively enrolled KTx patients (Group B) and from KTx with documented BK reactivation and/or nephropathy (Group C).

Results

Low levels of MCPyV viruria was seen in 15%

SUBMITTER: Husseiny MI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2943003 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature