Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 1, 2026
Use of Interferon-γ Enzyme-linked Immunospot Assay to Characterize Novel T-cell Epitopes of Human Papillomavirus
Published on: March 8, 2012
Human Polyomavirus 6 Detected in Cases of Eosinophilic Pustular Folliculitis
Yumiko Hashida1, Tomonori Higuchi1, Saeko Nakajima2
1Department of Microbiology and Infection, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan.
Background:
Human polyomaviruses (HPyVs) have been associated with several cutaneous inflammatory conditions. More investigation is needed to identify further presentations of cutaneous pathology associated with HPyVs. Our aim was to investigate the possible association of skin-tropic HPyVs with folliculitis, particularly eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (EPF).
Methods:
This study included 55 Japanese patients, comprising 13 patients with EPF and 42 patients with suppurative folliculitis. HPyV DNAs were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Expression of viral antigen and geographically related viral genotypes were also assessed.
Results:
Human polyomavirus 6 (HPyV6) DNA was found in 9 of 13 (69%) patients with EPF, a rate significantly higher than that found in suppurative folliculitis (1/42; 2%). Of the 7 HPyV6 DNA-positive EPF specimens analyzed, 4 were positive for HPyV6 small tumor antigen. All the HPyV6 strains detected in this study were of the Asian/Japanese genotype.
Conclusions:
The predominant detection of HPyV6 DNA and the expression of viral antigen suggest a possible association between HPyV6 infection and EPF in a subset of patients. Worldwide studies are warranted to determine whether Asian/Japanese genotype HPyV6 is associated preferentially with the incidence and pathogenesis of this eosinophil-related skin disease that has an ethnic predilection for the East Asian population.
Insights
Human polyomavirus 6 (HPyV6) DNA was significantly detected in Japanese patients with eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (EPF). This suggests a potential link between HPyV6 infection and EPF, particularly the Asian/Japanese genotype.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Human polyomaviruses (HPyVs) are linked to various skin inflammatory conditions.
- Further research is needed to identify novel cutaneous pathologies associated with HPyVs.
- The study explored the potential connection between skin-tropic HPyVs and folliculitis, specifically eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (EPF).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between skin-tropic HPyVs and folliculitis.
- To specifically examine the role of HPyVs in eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (EPF).
Main Methods:
- Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to detect HPyV DNA in 55 Japanese patients (13 EPF, 42 suppurative folliculitis).
- Viral antigen expression and geographically relevant viral genotypes were assessed.
- HPyV DNA detection rates were compared between EPF and suppurative folliculitis groups.
Main Results:
- Human polyomavirus 6 (HPyV6) DNA was detected in 69% of EPF patients, significantly higher than in suppurative folliculitis (2%).
- HPyV6 small tumor antigen was detected in 4 of 7 HPyV6 DNA-positive EPF specimens.
- All detected HPyV6 strains belonged to the Asian/Japanese genotype.
Conclusions:
- The high prevalence of HPyV6 DNA and viral antigen suggests a potential association between HPyV6 infection and EPF in some patients.
- Further global studies are recommended to confirm the role of the Asian/Japanese HPyV6 genotype in the incidence and pathogenesis of EPF.
- EPF may have an ethnic predilection, particularly in East Asian populations, possibly linked to specific HPyV genotypes.
