No Association between Merkel Cell Polymavirus Infection and Keratoacanthoma in Korean Patients

Abstract

Objectives: Keratoacanthoma (KA) is a relatively common benign tumor and resembles squamous cell carcinoma<br />(SCC). The definitive cause of KA remains unclear, but trauma, ultraviolet light, chemical carcinogens, human<br />papillomavirus, genetic factors, and immunocompromised status have been implicated as etiologic or triggering<br />factors. Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is suspected to cause the majority of cases of Merkel cell carcinoma<br />(MCC). MCPyV-DNA was found significantly more frequently in MCC and only found in about one fourth of KAs. In<br />a recent study, MCPyV was found in Korean patients with MCC. The aim of this study was to determine the presence<br />of MCPyV in Korean patients with KA. Methods: Paraffin-embedded tissue samples were analyzed for the presence<br />of MCPyV-DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of 105 KA samples were analyzed. Results: A study of<br />MCPyV has not been reported about KA in Korean cases. In the present study the MCPyV was not detected with KA<br />in the Korean patients. Conclusions: This supports that KA and MCPyV are not related to each other and MCVyP is<br />not a major factor in the pathogenesis of KA.