Detection of TS polyomavirus DNA in tonsillar tissues of children and adults: evidence for site of viral latency.

BACKGROUND

The trichodysplasia spinulosa-associated polyomavirus (TSPyV), a recently discovered species of the family Polyomaviridae, is associated with development of trichodysplasia spinulosa (TS), a rare follicular skin disease of immunocompromised individuals. The viral seroprevalence in the general population is ∼70%, with little known of its route of transmission, latency, or primary infection site.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to determine whether the viral DNA is detectable in tonsillar tissue of constitutionally healthy individuals, and what the corresponding antiviral seroreactivities are.

STUDY DESIGN

We tested 229 matched pairs of tonsillar tissue biopsies and serum samples from asymptomatic donors for TSPyV DNA by real-time quantitative PCR with primer pairs and Taq-Man probes targeting the VP1 and LT genes. The sera were studied by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for TSPyV-VP1-IgG and the PCR-positive individuals also for -IgM and -IgG-avidity.

RESULTS

TSPyV DNA was detectable in 8 (3.5%) of 229 tonsillar tissues, and in none of the corresponding sera. TSPyV IgG seroprevalence among children was 39% and among adults 70%. Each of the 8 PCR-positive subjects had antiviral IgG of high avidity but not IgM.

CONCLUSIONS

TSPyV PCR positivity of tonsillar samples of individuals with long-term immunity provides the first evidence of TSPyV in tonsils and suggests lymphoid tissue as a latency site of this emerging human pathogen.