High prevalence of BK Polyomavirus Sequences in Human Papillomavirus‐16‐Positive Precancerous Cervical Lesions

Abstract

High- and low-grade cervical lesions were analyzed for the presence of polyomavirus (PYV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) sequences. In precancerous cervical lesions, the overall prevalence of PYV sequences was 44% (41/93). Specifically, among the PYV-positive samples, 83% (34/41) tested positive for BK polyomavirus (BKV) sequences, whereas 17% (7/41) were positive for JC-virus. None of the samples were positive for simian virus 40. The presence of BKV DNA in high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions was confirmed by in situ PCR. BKV sequences were detected more frequently in high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, together with the genotype HPV-16. The association of BKV with precancerous cervical lesions suggests that this polyomavirus participates with HPV-16 in the cell transformation process. Alternatively, BKV might multiply better in HPV-16-positive cells from precancerous cervical lesions than in HPV-16-negative cells.

The interaction between human papillomavirus and other viruses

“…BKV has been detected in cervical swabs in both HPV-positive (4%) and HPV-negative (12%) samples (Fraase et al, 2012). BKV has also been detected in 35% of high-grade precancerous lesions of the cervix, with no BKV detected in low grade CIN or in normal tissues (Comar et al, 2011). The presence of BKV correlated with infection of high-risk HPV types in the high grade CIN.…”

“…The presence of BKV correlated with infection of high-risk HPV types in the high grade CIN. Furthermore, BKV DNA copy number was greater in high-grade CIN, suggesting that HPV might enhance BKV replication (Comar et al, 2011). BKV may also play a role in HPV-associated oral cancer.…”

“…Another polyomavirus implicated in HPV-linked disease is JC polyomavirus (JCV), which has been detected in 9% of low grade CIN and in 7% of high grade CIN, and not in normal cervical samples (Comar et al, 2011). However, JCV infection did not correlate with HPV infection (Alosaimi et al, 2014; Comar et al, 2011); In contrast, JCV detection was three-fold higher in cervical carcinomas versus normal cervical smears among HIV-positive women, suggesting a role for JCV in cervical cancer in the context of HIV co-infection and immunosuppression (Alosaimi et al, 2014).…”

Prevalence of Polyoma BK Virus (BKPyV) , Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in Oropharyngeal Cancer

“…What is more, BKV DNA presence was confirmed in high-grade squamous intraepithelial cervical lesions (precancerous lesions) (Comar et al, 2011). Some authors suggest that BK virus may be a potential co-factor for HPV in the development of cervical neoplasia (Fraase et al, 2011), especially together with the HPV genotype 16 (Comar et al, 2011). Burger-Calderon et al (2014) suggests a connection between BKPyV and the oral compartment.…”

Evaluation of Renal Biopsies for BK Virus Nephropathy in Non-Renal Transplant Immunosuppressed Patients

“…The first infection is asymptomatic or characterized with a mild respiratory disease. After the first infection, the virus becomes latent in the uroepithelium (transepithelium, renal tubular epithelium and parietal epithelium of Bowman's capsule), lymphoid tissue and many different tissues (cells of salivary glands, leukocytes in peripheral blood, squamous cells of the cervix and glandular epithelial cells of the prostate); 70-90% of healthy individuals in the general population have antibodies against BKV (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8).…”