EXAMINATION OF CUTANEOUS T-CELL LYMPHOMA FOR HUMAN HERPESVIRUSES BY USING THE POLYMERASE CHAIN-REACTION

The etiology of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma remains unknown, although an association with viral infection, in particular certain retroviruses and human herpesviruses, has been suggested. The purpose of this study was to examine skin biopsies of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma for the pre sence of Epstein-Barr virus, herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2, a nd human herpesvirus-6 by using the polymerase chain reaction. Lesiona l skin biopsies from 30 patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma were s tudied. Control specimens included biopsies from 9 patients with lymph omatoid papulosis and 10 patients with pityriasis lichenoides et vario liformis acuta. DNA extracted from each specimen, as well as from a kn own positive control for each virus, was examined by using the polymer ase chain reaction with viral-specific primers. Each DNA specimen was also amplified with control primers for human beta globin. The specifi city of the amplified products was confirmed by Southern analysis. Nei ther Epstein-Barr virus nor herpes simplex virus was detected in any o f the patient specimens examined. Human herpesvirus-6 was detected in one specimen of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and one specimen of lymphoma toid papulosis. These results do not support a role for any of these h erpesviruses in the pathogenesis of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.