Clinical Indications

JCV is the etiologic agent of
progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) which is mainly seen in HIV patients, organ transplant patients, and other
immunodeficient syndromes. In addition to PML, JCV also causes
nephropathy in the renal transplant setting, although with
considerably less frequency than BKV.
JCV should always be considered in an
immunocompromised patient with progressively deteriorating
CNS function. Quantitative JCV DNA PCR can be used to detect JCV in CSF in the setting
of CNS disease, and blood and urine in
the setting of renal dysfunction. Quantitative DNA PCR can be used to
track the course of infection as well as monitor response to
treatment.