Introduction

JC virus is a member of polyomaviruses genus with a double stranded DNA genome. BK virus belongs to this genus as well. Early infection occurs in early childhood and without clinical symptoms. Then JC virus establishes a lifelong infection usaully in kidney, central nervous system or lymphocytes. Usually about 80% of adult population are infected with this virus without noticing it. However, JCV may lead to significant consequences in patients with immune deficiency or very weak immune system such as people with HIV/AIDs, lymphoma, multiple sclerosis (MS) and transplant patients. There, JCV reactivation may result on a serious brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Therefore, it is crucial to monitor JCV titre in above mentioned target group.

JC RQ kit provides a ready-to-use Real-Time PCR system for detection and quantitation of JC virus DNA with Rotor-Gene or StepOne machines. Currently the Real-Time PCR provides the highest sensitivity and widest dynamic range among other methods. In this method, application of fluorescent probes allows detection of amplified product. Analysis of fluorescent kinetics also leads to quantification of the target sequence in the reaction without requiring post-amplification analysis, reducing the possibility of contamination with the PCR product.

This kit also incorporates an Internal Control to identify possible PCR inhibition.