Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Co-Infection in HIV/AIDS Individuals: Clinical Diagnosis, Consequences and Treatments.

Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) was named for its role as the causative agent of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), which is MCV positive in approximately 80% of cases. MCV is classified as a Group 2A carcinogen, which promotes carcinogenesis by integrating T-antigen into the cell genome. The prevalence of anti-MCV antibodies in the general population can be as high as 90%.