Merkel cell polyomavirus DNA in respiratory specimens from children and adults

Emerg Infect Dis. 2009 Mar;15(3):492-4. doi: 10.3201/eid1503.081067.

Abstract

Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) DNA was detected in 7 (1.3%) of 526 respiratory tract samples from patients in Australia with upper or lower respiratory tract symptoms. Partial T antigen and major capsid protein sequences of MCPyV identified in respiratory secretions showed high homology (99%-100%) to those found in Merkel cell carcinoma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antigens, Viral, Tumor / genetics
  • Capsid Proteins / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / virology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • DNA, Viral / analysis
  • DNA, Viral / isolation & purification*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polyomavirus / genetics
  • Polyomavirus / isolation & purification*
  • Polyomavirus Infections* / epidemiology
  • Polyomavirus Infections* / virology
  • Queensland / epidemiology
  • Respiratory System / virology*
  • Respiratory Tract Infections* / epidemiology
  • Respiratory Tract Infections* / virology
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antigens, Viral, Tumor
  • Capsid Proteins
  • DNA, Viral