Seroprevalence of fourteen human polyomaviruses determined in blood donors

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Public Health

Background:

• The human polyomavirus (HPyV) family comprises thirteen species, with some causing significant diseases in immunocompromised individuals.
• HPyVs establish persistent infections and can be transmitted via blood components, posing a risk to vulnerable patient groups.
• The prevalence and pathogenic potential of recently discovered HPyVs remain largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the seroprevalence of fourteen HPyVs in adult Dutch blood donors.
• To investigate the association between HPyV seroreactivity and age.
• To assess the prevalence of newly identified HPyVs and evaluate their potential human tropism.

Main Methods:

• Sera from adult Dutch blood donors were tested for antibodies against fourteen HPyV species using serological assays.
• Seroprevalence data were analyzed in relation to donor age.
• Statistical methods were employed to assess trends and significance.

Main Results:

• High seroprevalence (60-100%) was observed for most HPyVs in the study population.
• Age-dependent variations in seroreactivity were noted, with increasing prevalence for JCPyV, HPyV6, and HPyV7, and decreasing prevalence for BKPyV and TSPyV.
• Newly identified HPyVs (HPyV12, NJPyV, LIPyV) exhibited low seroprevalence (~5%), suggesting limited human tropism.

Conclusions:

• HPyV infections are highly prevalent among Dutch blood donors, with individuals commonly infected with multiple HPyV types.
• Age influences the seroprevalence patterns of specific HPyVs.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the clinical significance and transmission dynamics of less common HPyVs.