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Updated: May 18, 2026
Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Infection and Detection
Published on: February 7, 2019
Detection of Merkel cell polyomavirus in the human tissues from 41 Japanese autopsy cases using polymerase chain
Michiko Matsushita1, Satoshi Kuwamoto, Takeshi Iwasaki
1Division of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan. hayashik @ med.tottori-u.ac.jp
Abstract:
It has recently been shown that approximately 80% of Merkel cell carcinomas harbor a novel polyomavirus named Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). MCPyV has been detected in human tissue samples. However, detailed distribution of MCPyV in non-neoplastic Japanese human tissues remains unclear. To address this, we used single or real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for 41 autopsy cases. PCR revealed MCPyV-DNA in non-neoplastic samples: total, 29/41 (71%); adult, 29/39 (74%); fetus or infant, 0/2; men, 24/28 (86%); women, 5/13 (38%); total human tissues, 66/572 (12%); skin, 8/15 (53%); adrenal gland, 9/33 (27%), and other 16 organs (4-25%). This study first reported the presence of MCPyV-DNA in non-neoplastic tissues of thyroid gland, adrenal gland, spleen, bone marrow, stomach, gallbladder, pancreas, heart, and aorta. PCR revealed that viral load ranged from 0.00026 to 0.22 in all MCPyV-positive tissues compared with Merkel cell carcinoma samples. These detailed PCR data showed higher prevalence of MCPyV infection in Japanese men than women (p = 0.004) and broad distribution of MCPyV with low viral load in more non-neoplastic human tissues than in the previous reports. These data provide valuable insights for further studies of MCPyV infection and MCPyV-related diseases.
Insights
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is common in non-cancerous Japanese tissues, especially in men. This study found MCPyV DNA broadly distributed in various organs at low levels, offering insights into MCPyV infection.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Human Pathology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is frequently detected in Merkel cell carcinoma.
- The prevalence and distribution of MCPyV in non-neoplastic human tissues, particularly in Japan, are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the detailed distribution and prevalence of MCPyV in non-neoplastic Japanese human tissues.
- To compare MCPyV prevalence between genders and assess viral load in various tissues.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 41 Japanese autopsy cases using single or real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
- Detection of MCPyV-DNA in a wide range of non-neoplastic tissue samples, including skin and adrenal glands.
Main Results:
- MCPyV-DNA was detected in 71% of non-neoplastic samples (29/41), with higher prevalence in adult men (86%) than women (38%).
- The virus was found in 12% of total human tissues examined (66/572), including newly identified non-neoplastic tissues like the thyroid and spleen.
- Viral loads were generally low, ranging from 0.00026 to 0.22, compared to Merkel cell carcinoma samples.
Conclusions:
- MCPyV shows a broad distribution in non-neoplastic Japanese human tissues with a significantly higher prevalence in men.
- These findings suggest a widespread, low-level MCPyV infection and provide crucial data for understanding MCPyV-related diseases.
