How many types of viruses are there that live in our bodies without us knowing? The JC virus is one of them. In fact, this virus lives in the bodies of more than half of the adults in the world. But the amazing thing is, it does not cause any harm or trouble to most people. So, today we will talk in detail about what this really is, when it becomes a problem, and whether we should be afraid.
What exactly is the JC virus?
Simply put, the JC virus is a very common virus. It was first discovered in 1971. A doctor found this virus in the brain of a man suffering from a cancer called Hodgkin's lymphoma. The virus is named after the patient's first name (John Cunningham).
But experts are still not sure how it spreads from person to person. However, many people believe that the virus enters our bodies when we are young through contaminated water or food. Once inside, the virus can remain dormant in our urinary tract, bone marrow, tonsils, or brain for years, causing no problems. As a result, many people don't even know they have the virus.
So who is at risk from this?
Here's the important thing. As long as your immune system is good and strong, the JC virus won't bother you. It's just like sleeping.
However, if for some reason a person's immune system becomes very weak , that dormant virus suddenly wakes up and begins to become active.
When the virus becomes active in this way, it can cause a very serious brain infection called Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy , or PML .
What is PML?
This damages the protective covering around our nerve cells . It's like the plastic covering on an electric wire melting. This completely disrupts the process of sending messages through the nerves. This can lead to permanent disability and sometimes even death .
The highest risk of developing PML is:
- For HIV/AIDS patients.
- For people with cancer conditions such as Hodgkin 's disease, leukemia, and lymphoma .
- For people with conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) , Rheumatoid Arthritis , or those taking certain types of immune-suppressing medications after an organ transplant .
What are the symptoms of PML?
These symptoms usually start quickly and get worse over time. Symptoms can vary depending on the area of the brain that is damaged. However, these are the most common symptoms.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Clumsiness | Things like difficulty getting things done, stumbling when walking, and falling out of hands. |
| Weakness that gets worse | Weakness in an arm, leg, or one side of the body gradually increases. |
| Changes in personality | Changes such as sudden anger, anxiety, and memory loss. |
| Trouble speaking | Words get tangled, and I can't quite say what I want to say. |
| Vision problems | Vision becomes blurry, and problems such as seeing two things at once. |
How exactly do you diagnose this?
First, you can get tested to see if you have the JC virus. This involves taking a blood test or a tissue sample . This is especially important if you are taking medications that suppress your immune system .
However, if your doctor suspects that you have PML, the testing process is different.
1. MRI scan: The first test you will do is an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan. This uses powerful magnets and radio waves to take detailed pictures of your brain and look for patterns in brain tissue that are typical of PML.
2. Spinal Tap : Next, your doctor may decide to do a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) . Don't worry, this involves taking a small needle and taking a small amount of spinal fluid from your lower back. This fluid is tested for the presence of the JC virus. If the JC virus is found in this fluid, it confirms the presence of PML.
3. Brain Biopsy: If the above tests are still inconclusive, a small piece of tissue from the brain may need to be taken for testing (biopsy).
The relationship between medications used to treat certain diseases and the JC virus
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Crohn's Disease
Some medications used to treat conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Crohn's Disease (for example, Natalizumab, Dimethyl fumarate, Fingolimod, Ocrelizumab ) have been found to be associated with PML.
Therefore, before starting this type of medication, your doctor will definitely test you to see if you have the JC virus. You may be able to take this medication even if you have the virus, but you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before making a decision.
HIV/AIDS
Some modern medications given to people with HIV/AIDS help to strengthen the immune system. This has been a great help in preventing the development of PML from the JC virus. As a result, the incidence of PML among HIV/AIDS patients has decreased significantly in recent years.
What are the treatments for PML?
Currently, there is no specific drug approved to completely cure PML, and scientists are still researching this.
The best treatment currently available is to help the body's immune system fight the virus on its own by rebuilding it. For example, if a person is taking a medicine that suppresses their immune system, their doctor may decide to stop or change that medicine.
Take-Home Message
- The JC virus is a very common virus that is harmless to most people. So don't be unnecessarily afraid of it.
- The only real risk from this is for people with very weak immune systems, who can develop a serious brain infection called PML.
- If you experience symptoms such as unusual weakness, difficulty walking or speaking, or a sudden change in personality, especially if you are taking medications that suppress your immune system, see your doctor immediately.
- Before starting certain medications for diseases like MS and Crohn's, be sure to talk to your doctor about the risk of JC virus and PML.
- If you have any questions or doubts about this, the best thing to do is to talk to your doctor about it clearly and be informed.
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