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.