Phylogenetic analysis of 22 complete genomes of the human polyomavirus JC virus

The polyomavirus JC (JCV) establishes a persistent infection in the kidneys, and is the virus agent that causes the demyelinating disease progressive multi-focal leukoencephalopathy. PCR and DNA sequence analyses of partial JCV genomes have shown that there are at least four main JCV types, each associated with a specific geographical region. Type 1 is of European origin, Type 2 is Asian, Type 3 is found in individuals of African decent and Type 4 is a potential recombinant of Types 1 and 3, and is widely distributed throughout the population of the United States. A comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of 22 complete JCV genomes excludin