Eurofins Biomnis code

JCPL

Synonyms

• Polyomavirus JC
• JCV

Clinic significance

The JC virus is a ubiquitous DNA virus, exclusively human, with a high prevalence in the general population. Primary infection with JC virus generally occurs in childhood and is asymptomatic. The virus persists in a latent state in several sites. Situations of immunodepression are conducive to reactivation of the infection in latent sites, followed by dissemination of the virus to the central nervous system, leading to progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), characterised by the intracerebral formation of multiple foci of demyelination (particularly in HIV-infected individuals with a marked CD4+ T lymphocyte deficiency). This infection is generally fatal within a few months. There is no specific treatment for JC virus, but restoring the immune system can help control the course of PML.
The reference biological diagnosis is currently based on the detection of viral DNA by real-time PCR.
The search for JC virus DNA is carried out in the CSF. PCR in blood or urine samples is of no value in the diagnosis of PML.

Prenalytics

• 1 ml EDTA whole blood, 5 ml urine (without preservatives) 0.5 ml (minimum) CSF; brain biopsie
• Refrigerated

Further information

• The use of the S14UK transport bag is Mandatory.

Documents to download

• information note (N23-INTGB)

Methodology

Real-time PCR

Turnaround time

2 days