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JC virus detection in bodily fluids: clues to transmission

Joseph R Berger1, Craig S Miller, Yunanan Mootoor

  • 1Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536-0284, USA. jrbneuro@pop.uky.edu

Clinical Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
|June 8, 2006
PubMed

Insights

JC virus (JCV) is commonly found in urine samples from both HIV-infected individuals and healthy controls. This suggests urine plays a significant role in the transmission of JC virus.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • JC virus (JCV) is a common human polyomavirus.
  • Reactivation and shedding of JCV can occur, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Understanding JCV shedding sites is crucial for comprehending its transmission dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and shedding of JC virus in various bodily fluids.
  • To compare JCV detection rates in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons and healthy controls.
  • To determine potential routes of JCV transmission.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used for detection.
  • Samples analyzed included saliva, oropharyngeal fluid, blood, and urine.
  • Participants comprised 58 HIV-infected individuals and 58 matched healthy controls.

Main Results:

  • JC virus was rarely detected in saliva, oropharyngeal fluid, and blood samples.
  • JCV was commonly detected in urine samples from both HIV-infected individuals and controls.
  • Detection rates in urine were high, irrespective of immune status.

Conclusions:

  • Urine is a significant reservoir for JC virus shedding.
  • Urine likely contributes to the transmission of JC virus within the population.
  • Further research into urine-based JCV transmission is warranted.

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