Molecular epidemiology of JC polyomavirus genotypes in PLWH from Turkey

JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) is a globally prevalent human polyomavirus that establishes lifelong latency, primarily in renal tissue. Despite its global importance, molecular epidemiological data on JCPyV still remain limited.

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, genotype distribution, and genetic variations of JCPyV in urine and plasma samples from people living with HIV (PLWH) in Turkey. Additionally, we explored the correlation between JCPyV presence, immunological parameters, and demographic factors, providing the first molecular epidemiological report of JCPyV in this population. A prospective, multicentre, cross-sectional study was conducted on 107 PLWH and 77 healthy controls. JCPyV DNA was detected and quantified using qPCR, and VP1 gene sequencing was performed to determine viral genotypes. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted using Clustal Omega and the Neighbour-Joining method with a bootstrap value of 1000.

JCPyV viruria was detected in 46% of PLWH and 18.18% of healthy individuals, with no significant association between viruria frequency and immunodeficiency severity (p > 0.05). Genotype IV was the most prevalent (37.5%), followed by Genotype I (31.25%) and Genotype II (31.25%), aligning with European epidemiological data. No Genotype III was detected. No VP1 mutations associated with PML or immune evasion were identified. However, amino acid substitutions were observed at positions 74, 92, 116, 127, and 133, warranting further investigation.

This study provides the first molecular epidemiological analysis of JCPyV in PLWH from Turkey, demonstrating a genotype distribution consistent with European data. While no significant PML-associated VP1 mutations were detected, the identification of substitutions underscores the need for continued molecular surveillance. Understanding JCPyV genotype dynamics and immune evasion strategies is crucial for developing targeted therapeutics, including VP1-based vaccines and monoclonal antibody treatments for high-risk populations.