LAUSR

The first and so far only oncogenic human polyomavirus, Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), was discovered in the last decade, infecting about 80% of Merkel cell carcinomas (MCC) and 40% of healthy individuals. Originated from cells located in the basal layer of the skin’s epidermis, MCC is a rare and extremely aggressive type of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), which generally affects the elderly, Caucasians and the immunocompromised in body areas with high UV exposure. Comprising the most prevalent neoplasia worldwide, NMSCs have been investigated to look for and elucidate other risk factors, such as infections by oncoviruses. The present authors’ group was responsible for the first study in a Brazilian population, with 32% MCPyV positivity in biopsies of various NMSCs. The present study, however, focused on investigating MCPyV exclusively in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) patients. A convenience sampling composed of fresh-frozen biopsies and perilesional skin was analyzed, deriving from 35 consecutive patients with histopathological diagnosis of BCC treated at Antônio Pedro University Hospital (HUAP-UFF) between September 2017 and December 2018. Demographic data was collected during medical exam interview. Ethnicity was defined by the dermatologist according to patient’s phototype, classified as ‘‘white’’ or ‘‘non-white.’’ Tumor location was used to infer solar exposure (high, moderate, or low). All samples had DNA extracted utilizing a commercial kit according to manufacturer instructions. MCPyV DNA was detected by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the LT3 region. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v. 20 software (SPSS Inc. -Chicago, IL, United States). All individuals agreed to participate by signing an informed