Molecular prevalence of Merkel cell polyomavirus in nonmelanoma skin cancer in a Brazilian population.

BACKGROUND: Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), a newly described oncogenic virus, has been found in association with tumours other than Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). As yet, little is known about the involvement or influence of MCPyV on the development of these tumours and its prevalence in various populations.

AIM: To assess the prevalence of MCPyV DNA in cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC).

METHODS: The prevalence of MCPyV DNA was assessed in 96 cases of NMSC in a Brazilian population comprising 76 subjects, and these results were correlated with epidemiological and demographical data.

RESULTS: MCPyV DNA was detected in 23 of 69 (33.3%) basal cell carcinomas, in 2 of 11 (18%) squamous cell carcinomas, 2 of 4 Bowen disease case, 0 of 1 MCC and 4 of 11 other skin disorders.

CONCLUSION: Despite the frequent detection of MCPyV DNA in NMSC, its possible role in the development of NMSC still needs further investigation.