JC virus antibody status in a pediatric multiple sclerosis cohort: prevalence, conversion rate and influence on disease severity.

BACKGROUND

Because of the emergence of novel therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS) and the associated increased risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, John Cunningham (JC) virus infection has become a focus of interest for neurologists. However, little is known about JC virus infection in pediatric MS to date.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to analyze the prevalence of anti-JC virus antibodies, the conversion rate and the influence of the anti-JC virus antibody status on the clinical course in a large pediatric MS cohort.

METHODS

Anti-JC virus antibodies were analyzed in serum samples within six months of disease onset and during the course of the disease. Clinical data were extracted from a pediatric MS databank.

RESULTS

A total of 51.6% of 256 patients were found to be positive for anti-JC virus antibodies at onset of disease. No correlation between antibody status and clinical course was seen. Analyzing 693 follow-up serum samples revealed high titer stability, and an annual conversion rate of 4.37% was seen.

CONCLUSION

No evidence was found that seropositivity for anti-JC virus antibodies influences the clinical course. Surprisingly, seroprevalence for anti-JC virus antibodies was more than twice as high as anticipated in this age group, raising the question of whether the infection increases the risk of MS development.