Anti-JC virus antibody test

John Cunningham virus (JCV) is a human polyomavirus, a common environmental virus that has been infected in approximately 39-58% of the population and is tested positive for anti-JC virus antibodies. However, if the host’s immune system is deficient or suppressed, it may cause JC virus mutation activation, and then cross the blood brain barrier to infect brain oligocytes and astrocytes, resulting in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).

Progressive multiple leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare subacute demyelinating brain lesion that may lead to the slow development of memory and language disorders, personality changes, hemianopia, hemiplegia, language impairment and other asymmetrical symptoms. Because there is still no effective treatment, the prognosis is poor and can be fatal.

Since there are a variety of immunomodulatory drugs that can weaken the immune system with long-term use, which may lead to the activation of JC virus mutations and brain infections, anti-JC virus antibody testing can help physicians assess the risk of medication and monitor the activity of JC virus during medication.

Frequently asked questions about services

Q1. What is the inspection process?
A1. The medical unit will take a sample of the patient’s blood and send it to the foreign testing unit, please ask your doctor for details.
Q2. How long will it take for me to get my test results?
A2. It takes about 2-4 weeks for the samples to be sent to a foreign laboratory for testing, please ask your doctor for the test results.
Q3. What is the significance of the test results?
A3. If it is JCV(-), it means that you are most likely not infected with the JC virus, and if it is JCV(+), please refer to the index value to assess the risk of your medication.
If you need more information, please consult your physician. This testing service should be prescribed by a specialist physician.