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Published on: September 23, 2022
Identification of JC polyomavirus in upper respiratory samples from Portuguese children
Joana M Oliveira1,2,3, Daniela Veiga4, Helena Martins3
1University of Coimbra, CERES, Faculty of Pharmacy, Portugal.
Background:
JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) is ubiquitous in the human population and the causative agent of a rare, fatal and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system named Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML). The route of JCPyV transmission remains unclear, but high values of seroprevalence suggest an easy and frequent mode, such as respiratory route.
Objectives:
The present study aims to investigate the presence of JCPyV in upper respiratory samples and contribute to the elucidation of the JCPyV transmission pathway.
Study Design:
Nasopharyngeal swabs from 587 Portuguese individuals, including 380 children (≤18 years) and 207 adults (>18 years), collected for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) diagnosis between September and November 2021 were evaluated for the presence of JCPyV DNA.
Results:
JCPyV DNA was detected in 3.1 % of the nasopharyngeal swabs analysed, with higher frequency of detection in samples from children (4.5 %) than from adults (0.5 %) (p = 0.005). Infection with SARS-CoV-2 does not potentiate the presence of JCPyV in upper respiratory tract, once only one adult of 28 years with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection showed detectable JCPyV DNA. JCPyV DNA was more frequently detected in respiratory samples from children without SARS-CoV-2 infection (6.4 %). As for this group, children under six years of age presents the highest frequency of detection (10.3 %).
Conclusions:
The present study demonstrates that upper respiratory secretions of children, particularly under the age of six, may be implicated in JCPyV transmission, regardless of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Insights
JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) is frequently detected in children's respiratory samples, suggesting this route for JCPyV transmission. This finding is independent of SARS-CoV-2 infection, highlighting children's role in viral spread.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) is widespread in humans and causes Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML).
- The transmission route of JCPyV is not fully understood, but high seroprevalence suggests frequent transmission, possibly via the respiratory route.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of JCPyV DNA in upper respiratory samples.
- To contribute to understanding the JCPyV transmission pathway.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of nasopharyngeal swabs from 587 Portuguese individuals (380 children, 207 adults).
- Samples were collected for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis between September and November 2021.
- JCPyV DNA detection using molecular methods.
Main Results:
- JCPyV DNA was detected in 3.1% of all samples.
- Detection was significantly higher in children (4.5%) than adults (0.5%).
- Children under six years old showed the highest detection rate (10.3%), irrespective of SARS-CoV-2 status.
Conclusions:
- Upper respiratory secretions, especially in young children, may play a role in JCPyV transmission.
- JCPyV transmission via the respiratory route is plausible and occurs independently of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
