Aim: Since data about prevalence of JC virus in Iranian population is scarce, this study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of JC virus in healthy individuals who had attended Fajr hospital and Farjam clinical laboratory in Tehran, Iran.Background: JC virus is the causative agent of progressive multifocal encephalopathy (PML) in individuals with suppressed immune system. There are some evidences that this virus is responsible for some forms of cancers for example colorectal and gastric cancers in humans.Patients and methods: Urine samples from 133 healthy individuals older than 18 years old were collected and after extraction of viral DNA, PCR was performed to determine the presence of virus. Results of the test and demographic data of subjects were entered into SPSS program and were analyzed by it.Results: 71 subjects were male and 62 individuals were female. Mean age of the population was 42.23±13.47. From the total number of 133 subjects, 51 (38.3%) individuals were positive for the presence of JC virus. Gender had statistically significant relationship with JC virus presence (p=0.042). Age was not significantly related to JC virus presence status (p=0.3).Conclusion: Obtained rate of JC prevalence in this study is similar to the results of studies in India and Philippine. Because of this virus's role in AIDS and the role of this virus in gastrointestinal cancers have been revealed in recent years, the more extended studies on the prevalence of this virus in different populations in Iran is necessary.

Background and Aims: There is no data about JC virus genotypes in Iran. Due to the association of some genotypes of JC virus with PML (Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy) and also for the fact that some genotypes are more likely to be associated with certain diseases, such as cancer, the importance of this research is highlighted. The aim of this study was to determine the genotype of JC virus in northeastern Iran to find any different genotype in different tissues. Materials and Methods: Twenty two colorectal tissue samples were collected from colorectal cancer patients and 19 urine samples were collected from healthy individuals. After genomic extraction, PCR was applied to amplify the desired gene region for genotyping. The reported sequences were compared with sequences recorded in NCBI database. The 100% match was observed in most of the samples. Results: In general, 12 urine samples and 17 tissue samples were in type 1 and 3 urine specimens belonged to type 2, and 5 tissue samples and 4 urine specimens were also found in type 3. Conclusions: According to the statistical analysis, there was no correlation between urinary tract genotypes and tissue samples. Genotype 2 was observed only in urine specimens but not tissue samples. The most common genotype in this study was Type-1 and then Type-3. No other genotype was observed in this study.

Background: JC polyomavirus (JCV) is an epitheliotropic and neurotropic virus that identified in relationship with some devastating complications such as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) and linked to colorectal cancer. The aim of current study was to identify the prevalence of JCV in colorectal cancer for the first time in Iran. Methods: This retrospective case-control study was conducted by the hospitals affiliated to Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran from 2011 to 2016. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) blocks were used for DNA extraction by QIAamp® DNA FFPE Tissue Kit. The SYBER Green Real-time PCR assay performed by specific primers for JCV T-Large Ag. Melting curve analysis used for evaluation of amplification specificity. Positive control cloned in pTZ57R/T plasmid by Generay Biotechnology system. Results: Of 157 specimens 66 were colorectal cancer by the mean age (y) ± std. deviation 59. 35± 14. 48 and 91 healthy control by the mean age (y) ± std. deviation 57. 21± 14. 66. All 157 specimens tested for JCV T-Large Ag gene by Real-time PCR method and we found that there was not any positive result although the melting analysis showed specificity of positive control amplification. Conclusion: Low prevalence of JCV infection in Iranian CRC population confirmed by the current study results; there was not any JCV positive result in CRC and healthy control groups. Further studies by broader and different populations are recommended.