Immunohistochemistry (IHC) - SV-40 Test

Immunohistochemistry (IHC)-SV-40 Test

This histopathological test is used in molecular detection of SV-40 (Simian Virus) infection in a particular patient.

What is the SV-40 virus?

SV-40 is a type of Polyoma virus. This virus is closely related to BK virus and JC virus, which are also types of Polyoma viruses. Thus this test may also be positive in BK virus and JC virus infection due to cross reactivity. Polyoma means ability of virus to cause multiple tumours. Hence the polyoma viruses may cause various types of cancer in an infected person who has a compromised immune system. This virus may also cause latent infection without any obvious symptoms.

SV-40 virus is found in different tumours like brain, bone, mesotheliomas and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. SV-40 may cause tumours by causing mutation in p53gene which cause excessive abnormal proliferation of tumour cells.

Why is IHC-SV-40 test prescribed?

• The health care provider may prescribe this test to detect polyoma virus infections (SV-40, BK Virus and JC Virus) especially in individuals with weakened immune system.
• BK virus infection may cause complications in patients with kidney transplant and hematopoietic cell transplant. For example, it may cause BK virus allograft nephropathy with risk of graft loss.

Procedure and prerequisites

For the detection of BK virus allograft nephropathy, renal tissue biopsy is sent to the laboratory. Other tissue biopsy samples can also be used in case of a suspicion of polyoma infection. The biopsy specimen taken for histopathological examination should be handled with utmost care and precautions without causing damage by instrument handling. The specimen should then be totally immersed in formalin. Container should be labelled properly with necessary details. Relevant clinical history/physical examination findings/radiological reports must be sent along with the sample. A properly filled requisition form must accompany the sample.