Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 5, 2026

Isolation of Brain-infiltrating Leukocytes
06:44

Isolation of Brain-infiltrating Leukocytes

Published on: June 13, 2011

19.2K

John Cunningham Virus and Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy: A Falsely Played Diagnosis

Dimitra S Mouliou1

  • 1Independent Researcher, 38500 Volos, Greece.

Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 24, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML), a fatal demyelinating disease, is linked to John Cunningham Polyomavirus (JCPyV). However, emerging evidence suggests PML and JCPyV may not be what they seem, with new PML-like conditions appearing.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Viral Pathogenesis
  • Demyelinating Diseases

Background:

  • Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a severe demyelinating disease.
  • John Cunningham Polyomavirus (JCPyV) is the suspected causative agent of PML.
  • JCPyV is increasingly observed in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients treated with natalizumab.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the complex etiology and diagnosis of PML.
  • To address conflicting literature data regarding JCPyV and PML.
  • To explore the emergence of novel PML-like conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of JCPyV and PML cases.
  • Analysis of diagnostic criteria and pathological findings.
  • Epidemiological assessment of PML incidence post-COVID-19.

Main Results:

  • Conflicting data exists on JCPyV's role in PML pathology and diagnosis.
  • Misdiagnosis reports highlight diagnostic challenges.
  • An increase in PML-like conditions is noted, particularly after COVID-19.

Conclusions:

  • The understanding of PML and JCPyV requires re-evaluation.
  • Diagnostic accuracy for PML and related conditions needs improvement.
  • Emerging PML-like conditions warrant further investigation, especially in the context of recent pandemics.
Keywords:
AIDSHIVJCPyVMSPMLfalse-negativefalse-positiveimmunocompromisedmultiple sclerosisprogressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

More Related Videos

In Vivo Imaging Systems IVIS Detection of a Neuro-Invasive Encephalitic Virus10:21

In Vivo Imaging Systems IVIS Detection of a Neuro-Invasive Encephalitic Virus

Published on: December 2, 2012

20.7K
Prion Safety Laboratory Swipe Test06:01

Prion Safety Laboratory Swipe Test

Published on: February 14, 2025

699

Related Concept Videos

Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
199
Arboviral Encephalitis01:25

Arboviral Encephalitis

Arboviral encephalitis refers to brain inflammation caused by arthropod-borne viruses, particularly those transmitted through mosquito vectors. Among these, West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is a significant public health concern. WNV is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Human infection typically begins when an infected mosquito introduces the virus into the dermis during feeding. The primary transmission cycle involves birds as amplifying hosts...
59
Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
102
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
24
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
15
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
22