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Isolation and characterization of a novel putative human polyomavirus
Tarik Gheit1, Sankhadeep Dutta1, Javier Oliver1
1International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organization, Lyon 69372, France.
Virology
|March 26, 2017
Summary
Researchers discovered a new human polyomavirus (PyV), named Lyon IARC PyV (LIPyV), in skin samples. This finding expands the known human PyV family and warrants further investigation into its role in human health.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Human Pathogens
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Polyomaviruses (PyVs) are a family of small DNA viruses with diverse hosts, including humans.
- Thirteen PyVs are known to infect humans, with some linked to diseases like cancer.
- The discovery of novel PyVs is crucial for understanding viral diversity and pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a novel polyomavirus from human skin.
- To determine the prevalence of this new virus in the human population.
- To understand the phylogenetic relationship of the novel virus to other PyVs.
Main Methods:
- Sensitive degenerate PCR protocol for viral detection.
- Next-generation sequencing for genome characterization.
- Phylogenetic analysis to establish evolutionary relationships.
Main Results:
- Isolation of a novel human polyomavirus, Lyon IARC PyV (LIPyV), with a 5269-nucleotide circular genome.
- LIPyV shows phylogenetic relatedness to raccoon polyomavirus.
- Detection of LIPyV in skin swabs (2.0%), oral gargles (2.1%), and eyebrow hair (0.2%) of cancer-free individuals.
Conclusions:
- A novel human polyomavirus, LIPyV, has been identified.
- LIPyV is present in various human samples, suggesting potential widespread human tropism.
- Further studies are required to elucidate LIPyV's biological properties and role in human health.
