Examination of mycosis fungoides for the presence of Epstein-Barr virus and human herpesvirus-6 by polymerase chain reaction.

BACKGROUND

The aetiology of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) remains unknown despite numerous investigations. In recent years, retroviruses and human herpesviruses have been implicated to play a causal part in CTCL.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to elucidate the possible aetiopathogenetic role of human herpesviruses (HHV) in mycosis fungoides (MF).

METHODS

Polymerase chain reaction was used to study formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded lesional skin biopsies from 92 subjects with MF to evidence possible presence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and HHV-6.

RESULTS

Biopsy specimens from nine subjects (9.8%) evidenced EBV DNA, whereas all except one of the subjects (1.1%) lacked HHV-6 DNA.

CONCLUSIONS

Although these findings do not support a primary aetiological role for EBV and HHV-6 in classical CTCL, the possibility remains that both viruses, particularly EBV, may act as potential cofactors in the development of CTCL.