Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 19, 2026

A Thin-skull Window Technique for Chronic Two-photon In vivo Imaging of Murine Microglia in Models of Neuroinflammation
12:07

A Thin-skull Window Technique for Chronic Two-photon In vivo Imaging of Murine Microglia in Models of Neuroinflammation

Published on: September 19, 2010

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in HIV

M Sadler, M R Nelson

    International Journal of STD & AIDS
    |June 1, 1997
    PubMed

    Insights

    Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a brain disease caused by JC virus, is increasing in HIV patients. Diagnosis is challenging, with brain biopsy as the gold standard, but PCR in cerebrospinal fluid offers an alternative.

    Area of Science:

    • Neuroscience
    • Virology
    • Immunology

    Background:

    • Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a severe demyelinating disease of the central nervous system.
    • It is caused by the JC virus infecting oligodendrocytes, the cells that produce myelin.
    • The incidence of PML is rising, particularly in individuals with advanced HIV infection and severe immunodeficiency.

    Discussion:

    • Diagnostic challenges exist for PML, with brain biopsy for histological confirmation being the gold standard but invasive.
    • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of JC virus DNA in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) serves as a less invasive diagnostic alternative.
    • JC virus subtype analysis in various bodily fluids may enhance diagnostic accuracy and prognostic assessment.

    Key Insights:

    • The rising incidence of PML in HIV patients highlights the need for improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
    • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) PCR offers a viable alternative to invasive brain biopsies for PML diagnosis.
    • JC virus subtype detection presents potential for refined diagnostic and prognostic capabilities.

    Outlook:

    • Currently, the prognosis for patients diagnosed with PML is poor, with no established effective treatments.
    • Ongoing research into novel therapeutic approaches shows promising early results.
    • Further investigation into JC virus subtypes could lead to more targeted and effective treatments.

    More Related Videos

    A Rat Model of EcoHIV Brain Infection08:48

    A Rat Model of EcoHIV Brain Infection

    Published on: January 21, 2021

    Identification of EcoHIV-Infected Cells in Microglia-Manipulated Transgenic Mice07:23

    Identification of EcoHIV-Infected Cells in Microglia-Manipulated Transgenic Mice

    Published on: December 20, 2024

    Related Concept Videos

    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...
    Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

    Cryptococcal Meningitis

    Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
    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...
    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...
    Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction01:19

    Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction

    Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...
    Hepatic Encephalopathy01:29

    Hepatic Encephalopathy

    DefinitionHepatic encephalopathy is a reversible neurologic syndrome that results from advanced liver dysfunction or portosystemic shunting. It leads to disturbances in cognition, behavior, and motor function due to the brain’s exposure to gut-derived toxins that the liver fails to detoxify.EtiologyThis condition develops either in the setting of acute fulminant hepatitis or progressively during chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Portosystemic shunting—including...