Seroprevalence of Merkel Cell Polyomavirus in the General Rural Population of Anyang, China

Abstract

BackgroundDespite the probably causal link between Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) infection and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare but aggressive skin malignancy, little is known about the seroepidemiology of MCPyV among healthy adults in China.MethodsSerum antibodies against MCPyV were evaluated by multiplex serology in a population-based study of 5548 adults (including 1587 heterosexual couples) aged 25–65 years who were enrolled from rural Anyang, China in 2007–2009. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the risk factors for the seropositivity of MCPyV.ResultsThe seroprevalence for MCPyV was 61.0%. MCPyV seropositivity was significantly higher in males than in females (64.5% vs. 57.7%, P<0.001), and for both genders, showed a trend of increase with age (Male: P trend<0.001; Female: P trend<0.001). Furthermore, among antibody positives, antibody levels of MCPyV increased with advancing age (P trend = 0.017). MCPyV seropositivity of one spouse was significantly associated with that of the other partner (Adjusted OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.07–1.62). However, there was no association between sexual behaviors and the seropositivity of MCPyV.ConclusionsHigh seroprevalence of MCPyV was observed in healthy Chinese individuals. Serological evidence suggests that nonsexual horizontal spread of MCPyV can occur among family members, and further research in this regard is needed.

Promoter activity of Merkel cell Polyomavirus variants in human dermal fibroblasts and a Merkel cell carcinoma cell line

“…MCPyV has a seroprevalence of approximately 80% in the healthy, adult population [13][14][15][16][17][18]. MCPyV is chronically shed from healthy skin [20], but can also cause an aggressive skin cancer known as Merkel cell carcinoma [1].…”

“…Serological studies demonstrated that seroprevalence against MCPyV increases with age, and reaches up to~80% in healthy individuals [13][14][15][16][17][18]. Little is known about the route of infection, transmission and the cell tropism of MCPyV.…”

Seroprevalence of 10 human papillomavirus types in the general rural population of Anyang, China: a cross-sectional study

“…Serum specimens and questionnaire data were collected from all participants (aged 25–65 years and without prior diagnosis of cancer, immunodeficiency disorders, cardiovascular illness or HBV/HCV/HIV) in six of the nine villages which were cluster-sampled in the baseline survey of a population-based oesophageal cancer cohort in rural Anyang, China, in 2007–2009 4 5. All participants provided written informed consent and the study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the School of Oncology, Peking University.…”

“…Serum antibodies to 10 HPV types were tested using a bead-based glutathione S-transferase (GST)-L1 multiplex serology assay, using a Bio-Plex 200 system (BIO-RAD, USA) 4 6. The median fluorescence intensity (MFI) values for each HPV antigen were calculated by subtracting the MFI for beads coated with GST alone.…”

Merkel cell carcinoma: Do you know your guidelines?

“…35 Fortunately, although MCPyV is a common infection in the population, MCC remains rare with an estimated 3 cases occurring per million people. 29,36,37 Historically, the oncogenesis of MCC was poorly understood 32 ; however, the discovery by Feng et al, 30 which implicated MCPyV in the pathogenesis of MCC, has prompted significant scientific activity in this field. His group demonstrated that the virus was integrated into the genome of MCC specimens and approximately 66% to 80% of MCC specimens are positive for MCPyV.…”