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JC virus genotypes in France: molecular epidemiology and potential significance for progressive multifocal

V Dubois1, H Moret, M E Lafon

  • 1Virology Laboratory, University Bordeaux 2, Bordeaux, France.

The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|December 9, 2000
PubMed

Insights

John Cunningham virus (JCV) genotypes 1 and 2 are linked to progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in HIV patients. Genotype 4 may indicate a reduced risk for developing PML.

Area of Science:

  • Neurovirology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Genetics

Background:

  • John Cunningham virus (JCV) is a polyomavirus that can cause progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).
  • PML is a serious opportunistic infection, particularly affecting individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
  • While JCV genotypes are often linked to geographical distribution, recent findings suggest a potential link between specific genotypes and neuropathogenicity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the distribution of JCV genotypes in France.
  • To investigate the association between different JCV genotypes and the occurrence of PML.
  • To assess the neuropathogenic potential of distinct JCV genotypes in relation to PML development.

Main Methods:

  • A multicenter study involving the sequencing of the VP1 capsid gene (494 bp) to identify JCV genotypes.
  • Analysis of peripheral JCV in urine samples from 43 HIV-infected patients and 22 control subjects.
  • Examination of JCV genotypes in brain or cerebrospinal fluid samples from 56 patients with PML.

Main Results:

  • JCV genotypes 1, 4, 2, and 3 were detected in peripheral samples at frequencies of 52.3%, 30.8%, 12.3%, and 4.6%, respectively.
  • In PML cases, JCV genotypes 1, 2, 4, and 3 were identified in 66%, 19.7%, 8.9%, and 5.4% of samples, respectively.
  • Infection with JCV genotypes 1 or 2 showed a significant correlation with PML (odds ratio, 3.29), while genotype 4 appeared to be associated with a lower risk.

Conclusions:

  • JCV genotype distribution in France shows a predominance of genotype 1.
  • JCV genotypes 1 and 2 are significantly associated with the development of PML in the studied population.
  • JCV genotype 4 may represent a lower risk factor for PML, warranting further investigation into genotype-specific neuropathogenicity.

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