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Unit Code 800170:
JC Virus Detection by PCR, Spinal Fluid

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Useful For

As an aid in diagnosing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

due to JCV

Clinical Information

JC virus (JCV), a member of the genus Polyomavirus, is a small

nonenveloped DNA-containing virus. Primary infection occurs in

early childhood, with a prevalence of greater than 80%.(1) The virus

is latent but can be reactivated in immunosuppressed patients,

especially those with AIDS.

 

JCV is recognized as the etiologic agent of progressive multifocal

leukoencephalopathy (PML), a fatal demyelinating disease of the

central nervous system.(2-4) Histologic examination of brain biopsy

tissue may reveal characteristic pathologic changes localized mainly

in oligodendrocytes and astrocytes. Detection of JCV DNA by PCR

(target gene, large T antigen) in the cerebrospinal fluid specimens

of patients with suspected PML infection has replaced the need for

biopsy tissue for laboratory diagnosis.(5) This molecular amplification

technology provides a faster, easier, and more sensitive test for

diagnosing of JCV infection compared with brain biopsy pathology.

Importantly, the PCR test is specific with no cross-reaction with BK virus

(BKV), a closely related polyomavirus.

Reference Values

Negative

Positive results will be reported as JC virus DNA detected.

Interpretation

Detection of JCV DNA supports the clinical diagnosis of PML due

to JCV

 

The assay detects >10 genomic equivalents of the virus.

Cautions

A negative result does not rule out the possibility of JCV infection.

 

This test is not to be used as a diagnostic tool for Creutzfeldt-Jakob

disease (CJD).

Clinical Reference

1.   Safak M, Khalili K:  An overview: human polyomavirus JC virus

and its associated disorders. J Neurovirol 2006:9 Suppl 1:3-9

 

2.   Khalili K, Gordon J, White MK:  The polyomavirus, JCV and its

involvement in human disease. Adv Exp Med Biol 2006;577:274-287

 

3.   Khalili K, White MK:  Human demyelinating disease and the     

      polyomavirus JCV. Mult Scler 2006 Apr;12(2):133-142

 

4.   Ahsan N, Shah KV:  Polyomaviruses and human diseases.

      Adv Exp Med Biol 2006;577:1-18

 

5.   Romero JR, Kimberlin DW:  Molecular diagnosis of viral infections

      of the central nervous system. Clin Lab Med 2003 Dec;23(4):843-865

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