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Characterization of JC human polyomavirus infection in a Portuguese population

Ana Matos1, Vitor Duque, Sílvia Beato

  • 1Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal. anamatos@ci.uc.pt

Journal of Medical Virology
|January 21, 2010
PubMed

Insights

JC virus (JCV) shedding in urine is common in Portugal, particularly in HIV-infected individuals. JCV antibody prevalence is high across all groups, with urinary viral load correlating to antibody levels.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • JC virus (JCV) is a ubiquitous human polyomavirus, establishing lifelong persistent infections.
  • JCV is commonly shed asymptomatically in urine, with varying excretion rates observed globally.
  • Characterizing JCV infection patterns in specific populations, like Portugal, is crucial for understanding its epidemiology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the seroprevalence and urinary excretion patterns of JC virus (JCV) in a Portuguese population.
  • To compare JCV infection characteristics between healthy individuals and those infected with HIV.
  • To identify common JCV genotypes and their correlation with host factors.

Main Methods:

  • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to detect JCV DNA in urine samples.
  • Real-time quantitative PCR determined JCV urinary viral load.
  • Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) detected JCV-specific antibodies in serum samples.
  • JCV genotyping was performed on detected viral DNA.

Main Results:

  • JCV DNA was detected in 38% of urine samples; excretion was higher in HIV-infected individuals (51%) than healthy controls (33%).
  • Urinary JCV excretion increased with age in healthy individuals but not in HIV patients.
  • Antibodies to JCV were highly prevalent (91%) in all tested individuals, irrespective of HIV status.
  • A positive correlation was found between JCV urinary load and antibody titers.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides the first characterization of JCV seroprevalence and urinary shedding in Portugal, aligning with European trends.
  • While seroprevalence is similar, HIV infection influences the pattern of JCV urinary excretion.
  • JCV genotype 1B was the most prevalent, and urinary viral load correlates with antibody response.

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