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Background Studies of Merkel cell polyomavirus ( MCPyV) in nonmelanoma skin cancers ( NMSC) other than Merkel cell carcinoma ( MCC) produced controversial results. Therefore, we studied the prevalence of MCPyV in basal cell carcinoma ( BCC) and in squamous cell carcinoma ( SCC). Methods Tissue specimens were analyzed for the presence of MCPyV DNA by conventional polymerase chain reaction ( PCR). Expression of MCPyV large T protein was determined by immunohistochemistry. Results MCPyV DNA was frequently detected in skin cancers by PCR, in 36 of 88 BCCs, in 21 of 75 SCCs and in 10 of 47 normal skin samples. In BCC, a significant difference in the detection rate compared to normal skin was observed. In contrast, weak reactivity for MCPyV large T antigen was detected only sporadically in immunosuppressed patients (2 of 88 BCCs, 1 of 75 SCCs). Mutations of the large T antigen of MCPyV were more frequently observed in MCC than in BCC/ SCC. Conclusions Our results suggest that the frequent detection of the MCPyV genome in NMSC by PCR reflects ubiquitous spread of the virus. However, the low immunohistochemical detection rate of MCPyV and the lack of MCC-specific MCPyV mutations argue against an essential role of MCPyV in the development of skin cancers other than MCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intestinal transplantation has evolved into an established treatment for patients with intestinal failure. Although acute rejection episodes are reversible, late onset and chronic rejections remain major prognostic factors. We describe here our experience with endoscopic and histologic long-term monitoring through a cutaneous enterostomy. Between 1989 and 2003, 24 intestinal transplants were performed. After revascularization and reconstruction of proximal intestinal continuity, a side-to-end ileo-enterostomy was performed 20 cm from the stoma and the terminal allograft ileostomy left in the abdominal wall. Approximately after 2 months, in eight patients (nine transplants), the stoma was excluded from the gastrointestinal continuity, allowing ongoing endoscopy and histologic examination. Of 280 forceps biopsies, 64 (23%) were performed through the ‘blind ostomy’. Eleven acute allograft rejections were diagnosed between days 3 and 51, with two episodes in three cases. Through the ‘blind ostomy’, a late mild acute rejection was diagnosed in five instances, three to 37 months after transplantation. In all these patients, basal immunosuppression was intensified. Chronic rejection was seen in three cases 4–26 months after transplantation. In one of the three patients, chronic rejection was diagnosed from the excluded blind enterostomy. A long-term cutaneous enterostomy, even if disconnected from the intestinal continuity, enables simple long-term monitoring of small bowel allografts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]