Human herpes virus DNA is rarely detected in non-UV light-associated primary malignant melanomas of mucous membranes.
BACKGROUND
UV-radiation is the most important causative factor for malignant melanomas of the skin. However, this is not the case for melanomas on sun-sheltered body surfaces. The aim of this study was to investigate if human herpes virus DNA could be found in malignant melanomas in sun-sheltered body areas and if these viruses play a role in the development of extracutaneous melanomas.


METHODS
Forty-one extracutaneous melanomas were dissected and used for further analysis. Quantitative PCR methods were used for detection of the eight human herpes viruses in melanoma samples.


RESULTS
Human herpes virus DNA was absent in 37/41 melanomas, however, cytomegalovirus DNA was detected in two samples, and one sample each exhibited presence of Epstein-Barr virus and Human Herpes virus-6 DNA respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Human herpes virus DNA is rarely detected in primary malignant melanomas in non-sun exposed body surfaces and is not a major factor for the development of extracutaneous melanomas.
Lundberg
Rebecca
R
Department of Virology, Swedish Institute for Infectious Disease Control, Solna.
Brytting
Maria
M
Dahlgren
Liselotte
L
Kanter-Lewensohn
Lena
L
Schloss
Lottie
L
Dalianis
Tina
T
Ragnarsson-Olding
Boel
B
D001483:Base Sequence; D017931:DNA Primers; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis*; D015654:Herpesvirus 6, Human / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000821:virology*; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000821:virology; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D017931:DNA Primers; D004279:DNA, Viral