The small double-stranded DNA polyomaviruses (PyVs) form a family of 73 species, whose natural hosts are primarily mammals and birds. So far, 13 PyVs have been isolated in humans, and some of them have clearly been associated with several diseases, including cancer. In this study, we describe the isolation of a novel PyV in human skin using a sensitive degenerate PCR protocol combined with next-generation sequencing. The new virus, named Lyon IARC PyV (LIPyV), has a circular genome of 5269 nucleotides. Phylogenetic analyses showed that LIPyV is related to the raccoon PyV identified in neuroglial tumours in free-ranging raccoons. Analysis of human specimens from cancer-free individuals showed that 9 skin swabs (9/445; 2.0%), 3 oral gargles (3/140; 2.1%), and one eyebrow hair sample (1/439; 0.2%) tested positive for LIPyV. Future biological and epidemiological studies are needed to confirm the human tropism and provide insights into its biological properties.

Prevalence of beta-HPV varied by anatomic site of infection. Biological properties of beta-HPV types detected at mucosal sites and their role in disease pathogenesis should be examined.

Accumulating evidence suggests that cutaneous human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is associated with non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Little is known about the natural history of cutaneous HPV. A sub-cohort of 209 men with no NMSC history, initially enrolled in the HPV infection in men (HIM) study, were followed for a median of 12.6 months. Epidemiological data were collected through self-administered questionnaires. Cutaneous HPV DNA was measured in normal skin swabs (SS) and eyebrow hairs (EB) for 25 and 16 HPV types in genera β and γ, respectively. Any β HPV infection was more prevalent in SS (67.3%) compared to EB (56.5%, p = 0.04). Incidence in SS was higher than 20 per 1,000 person-months for HPV types 4, 5, 23, 38 and 76. Median duration of persistence of β and γ HPV infection was 8.6 and 6.1 months in EB, respectively, and 11.3 months and 6.3 months, in SS, respectively. Older age (>44 years vs. 18-30 years) was significantly associated with prevalent (SS OR = 3.0, 95% CI = 1.2–7.0) and persistent β HPV infection (EB OR = 6.1, 95% CI = 2.6–14.1). History of blistering sunburn was associated with prevalent (OR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.3–5.8) and persistent (OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.2–4.6) β HPV infection in SS. Cutaneous HPV is highly prevalent in men, with age and blistering sunburn being significant risk factors for cutaneous β HPV infection.

Some reports suggest a history of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) may be associated with increased mortality. NMSCs have very low fatality rates, but the high prevalence of NMSC elevates the importance of the possibility of associated subsequent mortality from other causes. The variable methods and findings of existing studies leave the significance of these results uncertain. To provide clarity, we conducted a systematic review to characterize the evidence on the associations of NMSC with: 1) all-cause mortality, 2) cancer-specific mortality, and 3) cancer survival. Bibliographic databases were searched through February 2016. Cohort studies published in English were included if adequate data were provided to estimate mortality ratios in patients with-versus-without NMSC. Data were abstracted from the total of 8 studies from independent data sources that met inclusion criteria (n=3 for all-cause mortality, n=2 for cancer-specific mortality, and n=5 for cancer survival). For all-cause mortality, a significant increased risk was observed for patients with a history of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (mortality ratio estimates (MR) 1.25 and 1.30), whereas no increased risk was observed for patients with a history of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) (MRs 0.96 and 0.97). Based on one study, the association with cancer-specific mortality was stronger for SCC (MR 2.17) than BCC (MR 1.15). Across multiple types of cancer both SCC and BCC tended to be associated with poorer survival from second primary malignancies. Multiple studies support an association between NMSC and fatal outcomes; the associations tend to be more potent for SCC than BCC. Additional investigation is needed to more precisely characterize these associations and elucidate potential underlying mechanisms.

MCPyV infection is highly prevalent in adults, with age and race being predisposing factors.