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Specific and quantitative detection of Human polyomaviruses BKPyV and JCPyV in the healthy Pakistani population
Iqra Hussain1, Fareeda Tasneem2, Muhammed Umer3
1School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
Background:
The BK Polyomavirus (BKPyV) and JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) infections are widespread in human population and have been associated with severe kidney and brain disorders, respectively. The viruses remain latent primarily in reno-urinary tract, reactivating only in case of a compromised immune system. The seroepidemiology and molecular prevalence of BKPyV and JCPyV have been widely studied both in healthy and immunocompromised patients worldwide. However, data regarding the prevalence of these viruses in the immunocompetent or apparently healthy Pakistani population is lacking. Herein, we present the first ever report on quantitative prevalence of BKPyV and JCPyV in the peripheral blood of a randomly selected cohort of healthy Pakistani population.
Methods:
A total of 266 whole blood samples were examined. The subjects were divided into three age groups: ≤ 25 years (young), 26-50 years (middle) and ≥ 51 years (elder). Absolute real time PCR assay was designed to quantify the BKPyV and JCPyV viral copy numbers in the range of 106 to 100 copies/mL.
Results:
Overall, BKPyV was detected in 27.1% (72/266) individuals while JCPyV in 11.6% (31/266) indicating significant difference (p < 0.005) in the distribution of these two viruses. The prevalence of BKPyV significantly decreased from 51% (49/96) in young age group to 8.2% (7/85) in eldest age group. Whereas, JCPyV positivity rate slightly increased from 8.3% (8/96) in young age group to 11.8% (10/85) in elder age group. The median viral load was calculated as 6.2 log and 3.38 log copies/mL of blood for BKPyV and JCPyV, respectively. Notably, no significant difference in viral load of either of the subtypes was found between different age groups.
Conclusion:
The current study provides an important baseline data on the prevalence and viral load of circulating BKPyV and JCPyV in Pakistani population. The prevalence and viral load of BKPyV was comparatively higher than JCPyV. The prevalence of BKPyV significantly decreased with increase in age while JCPyV positivity rate slightly increased with increasing age. Viral load of both BKPyV and JCPyV was not correlated with the individual ages.
Insights
This study quantifies BK Polyomavirus (BKPyV) and JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) prevalence in healthy Pakistanis. BKPyV was more common, decreasing with age, while JCPyV increased slightly with age.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- BK Polyomavirus (BKPyV) and JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) are widespread human polyomaviruses.
- These viruses can cause severe kidney and brain disorders, respectively, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
- Limited data exists on BKPyV and JCPyV prevalence in the healthy Pakistani population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the quantitative prevalence and viral load of BKPyV and JCPyV in the peripheral blood of a healthy Pakistani cohort.
- To investigate the association of BKPyV and JCPyV prevalence and viral load with age in this population.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 266 whole blood samples from healthy Pakistani individuals across three age groups (young, middle, elder).
- Quantitative real-time PCR assay used to determine BKPyV and JCPyV viral copy numbers per mL of blood.
- Statistical analysis to compare prevalence and viral loads between viruses and age groups.
Main Results:
- BKPyV was detected in 27.1% of individuals, significantly higher than JCPyV at 11.6%.
- BKPyV prevalence decreased significantly with age (51% in young to 8.2% in elder), while JCPyV prevalence slightly increased (8.3% to 11.8%).
- Median viral loads were 6.2 log copies/mL for BKPyV and 3.38 log copies/mL for JCPyV, with no significant age-related difference.
Conclusions:
- This study establishes baseline data for BKPyV and JCPyV prevalence and viral load in Pakistan.
- BKPyV shows higher prevalence than JCPyV in healthy individuals, with differing age-related trends.
- Viral load for both viruses was not correlated with individual age in this cohort.
