Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML): risk factors

Written and reviewed by Dr Ibrahim Imam, Consultant Neurologist. Last reviewed .

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML): risk factors. The JC virus is responsible for PML. Fully referenced neurology checklist.

JC virus infection

  • The JC virus is responsible for PML
  • It belongs to the BK viruses
  • It infects oligodendrocytes
  • JC virus DNA is also found in urine and lymphocytes
  • 80-90% of adults are JC virus antibody positive
  • It may jointly co-infect with herpes viruses
  • JC virus also causes encephalitis and meningitis

Immunosuppressive disorders

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Natalizumab: risk features

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Other drugs

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Acronym

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References

  1. Warnke C, Menge T, Hartung H-P, et al. Natalizumab and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Arch Neurol 2010; 67:923-930.
  2. Tan CS, Koralnik IJ. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and other disorders caused by JC virus: clinical features and pathogenesis. Lancet Neurol 2010; 9:425-437.
  3. Nakamichi K, Inoue N, Shimokawa T, Kurane I, Lim CK, Saijo M. Detection of human herpesviruses in the cerebrospinal fluid from patients diagnosed with or suspected of having progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. BMC Neurol 2013; 13:200.
  4. Grossman RI, Yousem DM. The Requisites Neuroradiology. 2nd Edition Mosby Philadelphia 2003 p350.
  5. Berger JR. The clinical features of PML. Cleve Clin J Med 2011; 78 (Suppl2):S8-S12. 
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