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JC-BK Virus DNA Detection by Real Time PCR - EDTA Blood
Bacterial/ Viral
Report in 72Hrs
At Home
No Fasting Required
Details
Detects polyomaviruses.
₹6,290₹8,986
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JC-BK Virus DNA Detection by Real Time PCR - EDTA Blood
- Why is it done?
- This test detects and quantifies JC virus (JCV) and BK virus (BKV) DNA in blood using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, which provides sensitive and specific identification of these polyomaviruses.
- Screening for JC virus in immunocompromised patients at risk for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), particularly those with HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis patients on natalizumab therapy, or organ transplant recipients.
- Detection of BK virus in transplant recipients to monitor for polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (PVAN) and other BKV-related complications in kidney, heart, or lung transplants.
- Evaluation of unexplained neurological symptoms such as progressive cognitive decline, weakness, or vision changes in immunocompromised individuals.
- Monitoring patients with known or suspected polyomavirus infection to assess viral load and treatment response.
- Assessment of immunosuppressive therapy effectiveness or need for modification in transplant patients.
- Normal Range
- Reference Range: Negative or <500 copies/mL (unit may vary by laboratory)
- Unit of Measurement: Copies/mL or Copies/μL of plasma/serum
- Negative Result: No JC or BK virus DNA detected in blood; generally indicates low or absent viral replication, though does not exclude latent infection.
- Low Positive (500-10,000 copies/mL): Detectable viral replication with relatively low viral load; requires clinical correlation and may warrant close monitoring.
- High Positive (>10,000 copies/mL): Significant viral replication indicating active infection; increased risk for clinical disease manifestation.
- Borderline/Equivocal: Results near detection limit should be repeated or considered in clinical context; repeated testing may clarify significance.
- Interpretation
- Negative Result: Indicates absence of detectable viremia; patient is unlikely to have active disseminated polyomavirus disease at time of testing. However, negative results do not exclude latent viral infection or early stages of reactivation.
- JC Virus Positive in HIV/AIDS Patient: Suggests JC viremia and increased risk for PML, particularly if CD4 count <200 cells/μL. CSF analysis and brain imaging (MRI) may be needed for PML confirmation.
- BK Virus Positive in Transplant Recipient: Indicates BK viremia; viral load >10,000 copies/mL associated with higher risk of PVAN and graft dysfunction. Serial monitoring recommended; reduction of immunosuppression may be considered.
- Factors Affecting Results: Degree of immunosuppression, timing of blood draw relative to symptom onset, viral load fluctuations, previous exposure history, specific viral strain variants, proper specimen collection and handling (EDTA tube essential for blood preservation).
- Natalizumab-Associated Risk: MS patients on natalizumab with positive JC virus are at significantly elevated risk for PML; stratification index (seropositivity status and treatment duration) guides monitoring intensity.
- Serial Monitoring Interpretation: Rising viral load over time indicates disease progression; stable or declining levels suggest response to intervention or reduced replication.
- Clinical Correlation Essential: Viral DNA detection must be correlated with clinical symptoms, imaging findings, CSF analysis, and immunological status for accurate diagnosis and prognostication.
- Associated Organs
- Primary Organ Systems: Central nervous system (CNS), kidneys, bone marrow, and urinary tract. Blood testing reflects systemic viral distribution and viremia.
- JC Virus Complications: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) - demyelinating disease affecting white matter; progressive cognitive decline, motor weakness, vision impairment, and potential fatal outcome if untreated.
- BK Virus Complications: Polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (PVAN) in transplanted kidneys causing progressive interstitial nephritis and allograft dysfunction; also causes hemorrhagic cystitis, ureteral stenosis, and can affect other transplanted organs.
- Hematological Impact: Both viruses can infect bone marrow cells and affect hematopoietic function; may cause cytopenias in severely immunocompromised patients.
- Associated Disease Conditions: HIV/AIDS with CD4 <200, organ transplantation (especially renal), MS patients on natalizumab, other immunosuppressive conditions, cancer patients on chemotherapy, primary immunodeficiencies.
- Risk Factors for Severe Disease: Profound immunosuppression, high viral loads, genetic predisposition, delayed immune reconstitution, and degree of mismatching in transplant recipients.
- Follow-up Tests
- For Suspected PML (JC Virus): CSF analysis with JC virus PCR (higher sensitivity than serum), brain MRI (T2/FLAIR weighted imaging), CD4 count in HIV patients, HIV viral load testing.
- For Suspected PVAN (BK Virus): BK virus urine PCR (higher sensitivity), renal biopsy with immunohistochemistry if PVAN suspected, serum creatinine, urinalysis, renal function assessment.
- Serial Viral Load Monitoring: Repeat blood PCR testing monthly or at specified intervals (frequency depends on clinical scenario and results); assess response to intervention.
- Immunological Assessment: CD4 count and HIV viral load in HIV patients; assessment of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) risk.
- JC Virus Serology: Anti-JC virus antibodies for serostatus determination; helps assess prior exposure and stratify risk in MS patients on natalizumab.
- Imaging Studies: Brain MRI for JCV/PML evaluation, renal ultrasound or CT for BKV/transplant assessment, specialized neuroimaging if CNS involvement suspected.
- Monitoring Frequency: High-risk patients (MS on natalizumab with positive JCV, transplant recipients): baseline and every 3-6 months; symptomatic or positive patients: monthly until clinical resolution or stability achieved.
- Complementary Testing: Other opportunistic infection screening (CMV, EBV, Toxoplasma), CBC with differential, comprehensive metabolic panel, urinalysis, and appropriate tissue biopsies for definitive diagnosis.
- Fasting Required?
- Fasting Required: No
- Patient Preparation: No special dietary or fasting restrictions required. Patient may eat and drink normally before test.
- Specimen Collection: Blood must be collected in EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) tube, also known as a lavender-top tube, to preserve DNA integrity. Do not use serum separator tubes or other collection tubes.
- Sample Handling: Specimen must be processed promptly; store at room temperature or refrigerate (2-8°C) if processing cannot occur immediately. Do not freeze unless directed by laboratory.
- Medications: No medications need to be withheld. Continue all routine medications as prescribed. Antiviral medications (if patient is on treatment) do not preclude testing.
- Timing Considerations: Can be performed at any time of day. No specific time window required, though consistency in timing for serial monitoring may be preferred for trend analysis.
- Other Requirements: Inform phlebotomist of patient immunocompromised status and indication for testing. Ensure tube is properly labeled and documentation of collection time is accurate for turnaround time and result interpretation.
How our test process works!
