PCR-based molecular assays have a central role in polyomavirus diagnostics. To assure optimal performance, target sequences should be regularly updated according to newly available sequences. The aim of this study was to review our in-house polyomavirus BK (BKV) and JC (JCV) real-time PCR assays. Database analysis revealed variations in the BKV target region which might affect the assay perform...

OBJECTIVES To investigate whether polyomaviruses contribute to interstitial cystitis pathogenesis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS A prospective study was performed with 50 interstitial cystitis cases compared with 50 age-matched, disease-free controls for the frequency of polyomaviruria. Associations between polyomaviruria and disease characteristics were analysed in cases. Polyomavirus in urine and bl...

BK virus is a polyomavirus belonging to the papovaviridae branch. In addition to BK, the human polyomavirus family includes John Cunningham virus (JCV), Washington University virus (WUV), Karolinska Institute virus (KIV) and Merkel cell viruses (Boothpur et al. 2010). BK virus is a virus without a shell and it has a double-stranded circular nonenveloped DNA. It was first discovered and isolated...

Recent findings in cancer research has established a connection between a T-antigen common virus and a brain tumor in children. The studies suggested the Tantigen, the viral component of a specific virus, called the JC virus, plays a significant role in the development of the most frequent type of malignant brain tumors by blocking the functionality of tumor suppressor proteins such as p53 and ...

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that usually leads to death or severe disability. Affected patients present with signs and symptoms including impaired cognition, visual disturbances, hemiparesis, altered mental state and behavioural changes. PML is caused by activation of the John Cunningham (JC) virus. JC virus res...