Polyomavirus JC (JCV) is ubiquitous in humans and causes a
chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system ,
progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy which is common in
AIDS. JCV is excreted in urine of 30-70% of adults worldwide.
Based on sequence analysis of JCV complete genomes or fragments
thereof, JCV can be classified into geographically derived
genotypes. Types 1 and 2 are of European and Asian origin
respectively while Types 3 and 6 are African in origin. Type 4, a
possible recombinant of European and African genotypes (1 and 3)
is common in the USA. To delineate the JCV genotypes in an
aboriginal African population, random urine samples were
collected from the Biaka Pygmies and Bantu from the Central
African Republic. There were 43 males and 25 females aged 4-55
years, with an average age of 26 years. After PCR amplification
of JCV in urine, products were directly cycle sequenced. Five of
23 Pygmy adults (22%) and four of 20 Bantu adults (20%) were
positive for JC viruria. DNA sequence analysis revealed JCV Type
3 (two), Type 6 (two) and one Type 1 variant in Biaka Pygmies.
All the Bantu strains were Type 6. Type 3 and 6 strains of JCV
are the predominant strains in central Africa. The presence of
multiple subtypes of JCV in Biaka Pygmies may be a result of
extensive interactions of Pygmies with their African tribal
neighbors during their itinerant movements in the equatorial
forest.
