Causes
PML is caused by a papovavirus, known as JC virus. Most people get this infection in childhood, and it produces no illness. It reactivates later in life in people who have a suppressed immune system (eg, HIV/AIDS ).
Risk Factors
The most common risk factor is having HIV/AIDS. PML has rarely been associated with:
- Leukemia and lymphoma
- Tuberculosis
- Sarcoidosis
- Prolonged immunosuppression (organ transplant or cancer patients)
- Chronic steroid therapy
- Rare inherited immunodeficiencies
- Natalizumab (medication used to treat multiple sclerosis )—the risk may only occur when also taking other immunosuppressants
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