Detection of JC Virus Infection in Progressive Multifocal
Leukoencephalopathy : The First Documented Case in
Thailand
TAWEEKIAT DUJNEUNGKUNAKORN, M.D.*, SOMNUEK SUNGKANUPARPH, M.D.*,
ASDA VIBHAGOOL, M.D.*, WANTANIT PAIROJ, M.Sc.**,
W ASUN CHANTRA TITA , Ph.D.**, CHUTA TIP SRICHUNRUSAMI, B.Sc. **,
JIRAPORN LAOTHAMATAS, M.D.***, TEERATORN PULKES, M.D.*
Affiliation : * Department of Medicine,
** Department of Pathology,
*** Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
AbstractProgressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a demyelinating brain disease caused
by human polyoma JC virus (JCV). This disease is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in
AIDS patients. Definite diagnosis currently requires a brain biopsy. PCR for JCV of CSF, an emerging
diagnostic tool, has a high specificity for the diagnosis of PML in patients with characteristics on clini
cal and neuroradiological findings. The authors report a 36-year-old woman who presented with
prolonged fever, progressive weakness, and slow speech for 2 months. Clinical features and MRI
findings were compatible with PML. Qualitative PCR for JCV of CSF showed a positive result. This
report emphasizes the yield of PCR, the CSF for JCV in a diagnosis of PML, which may reduce the
need for a brain biopsy in such cases.
Keywords : Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy, JC Virus, PCR
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