Detection of Epstein-Barr virus and human herpesvirus 7 and 8 genomes in primary cutaneous T- and B-cell lymphomas.

BACKGROUND

Several studies have investigated the possible involvement of viral agents, particularly herpesviruses, in primary cutaneous lymphoma (PCL).

OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to screen for the presence of human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) and 8 (HHV-8) genomes in samples of PCL, and to determine if their presence was independent of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

METHODS

Screening was performed using polymerase chain reaction assay in 64 skin samples from historical lesional tissues with PCL.

RESULTS

Only nine cases showed positivity for HHV-7: four of 29 mycosis fungoides (MF), two of four CD30-positive large-cell cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), two of 12 follicle centre cutaneous B-cell lymphoma (CBCL) and one of nine marginal zone CBCL. Fifteen cases tested positive for EBV: seven of 29 MF, two of four pleomorphic small/medium sized CTCL, three of three angiocentric CTCL, one of 12 follicle centre CBCL and two of nine marginal zone CBCL. All cases were uniformly negative for HHV-8. No simultaneous positivity was found for EBV and HHV-7. Controls tested negative for all viruses.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings indicate that EBV, HHV-7 and HHV-8 seem not to be involved in the pathogenesis of PCL.