Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026

Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Infection and Detection
Published on: February 7, 2019
Seroepidemiology of the newly found trichodysplasia spinulosa-associated polyomavirus
Tingting Chen1, Petri S Mattila, Tuomas Jartti
1Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, Finland.
Abstract:
Trichodysplasia spinulosa (TS)-associated polyomavirus (TSV) was recently (in 2010) discovered in TS lesions. To investigate the seroprevalence and primary exposure time of this virus, we set up a virus protein (VP1) viruslike particle (VLP)-based immunoglobulin G enzyme immunoassay. The seroprevalence of TSV was 5%, among children aged 1-4 years, rising to 48% at 6-10 years, and 70% among 149 adults. The TSV antibodies did not cross-react with corresponding Merkel cell polyomavirus VLPs, and their reactivity appeared conformational. TSV circulates widely in the human population and primary exposure is extensive in childhood, beginning at age 1-2 years.
Related Concept Videos
Poliomyelitis
Trichomoniasis
Toxoplasmosis

