Alphapolyomavirus is one of eight genera of non-enveloped dsDNA viruses in the polyomaviridae family.

[1][2] Member viruses primarily infect humans and other mammals.

[3] Transmission of the virus in humans is primarily spread via direct contact with parents or other high-contact individuals as children.

[4][5] 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[6] similar to other cancer-causing viruses such as HPV, Epstein-Barr virus, and Hepatitis C virus[7] is a main area of research for the scientific community.