Abstract

Trichodysplasia spinulosa (TS)–associated polyomavirus (TSV) was recently (in 2010) discovered in TS lesions. To investigate the seroprevalence and primary exposure time of this virus, we set up a virus protein (VP1) viruslike particle (VLP)–based immunoglobulin G enzyme immunoassay. The seroprevalence of TSV was 5%, among children aged 1–4 years, rising to 48% at 6–10 years, and 70% among 149 adults. The TSV antibodies did not cross-react with corresponding Merkel cell polyomavirus VLPs, and their reactivity appeared conformational. TSV circulates widely in the human population and primary exposure is extensive in childhood, beginning at age 1–2 years.

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