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Test ID: JCV    
JC Virus Detection by In Situ Hybridization

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Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful

Confirming a clinical and histopathologic diagnosis of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test

JC virus (JCV) is the etiologic agent of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare, demyelinating, fatal disorder of the central nervous system that occurs on a background of immune deficiency. PML is an infrequent complication of a wide variety of conditions, including lymphoproliferative disorders (Hodgkin disease, chronic lymphocytic leukemia), sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, and AIDS.

Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results

This test, when not accompanied by a pathology consultation request, will be answered as either positive or negative. If additional interpretation or analysis is needed, request PATHC / Pathology Consultation along with this test.

Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances

Age of a cut paraffin section can affect staining quality. Stability thresholds vary widely among published literature. Best practice is for paraffin sections to be cut within 6 weeks.

Clinical Reference Recommendations for in-depth reading of a clinical nature

1. Fritzsche FR, Pianca S, Gaspert A, et al: Silver-enhanced in situ hybridization for detection of polyomavirus DNA in patients with BK virus nephropathy. Diagn Mol Pathol 2011;20(2):105-110

2. Aksamit AJ, Mourrain P, Sever JL, Major EO: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy: investigation of three cases using in situ hybridization with JC virus biotinylated DNA probe. Ann Neurol 1985;18:490-496

3. Aksamit AJ Jr: Nonradioactive in situ hybridization in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Mayo Clin Proc 1993;68:899-910

4. Muaoz-Marmol AM, Mola G, Fernandez-Vasalo A, et al: JC virus early protein detection by immunohistochemistry in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy: a comparative study with in situ hybridization and polymerase chain reaction. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2004;63(11):1124-1130

5. Vago L, Cinque P, Sala E, et al: JCV-DNA and BKV-DNA in the CNS tissue and CSF of AIDS patients and normal subjects. Study of 41 cases and review of the literature. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr Hum Retrovirol 1996 Jun 1;12(2):139-146