Alphapolyomavirus

Alphapolyomavirus is one of eight genera of non-enveloped dsDNA viruses in the polyomaviridae family. Member viruses primarily infect humans and other mammals. Transmission of the virus in humans is primarily spread via direct contact with parents or other high-contact individuals as children.

The primary alphapolyomavirus that is of clinical significance to humans is Merkel cell polyomavirus (Human polyomavirus 5, MCV, or MCPyV). The apparent oncogenicity of MCPyV similar to other cancer-causing viruses such as HPV, Epstein-Barr virus, and Hepatitis C virus is a main area of research for the scientific community.