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Polyoma virus BK and renal dysfunction in a transplanted population.
G Splendiani1, S Cipriani, S Condò
1Chair of Nephrology, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy.
Transplantation Proceedings
|April 28, 2004
Summary
Polyoma virus BK (BKV) reactivation is linked to kidney transplant dysfunction. BKV viruria in kidney recipients correlates with viremia and impaired renal function, unlike in liver recipients.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Virology
- Transplantation Immunology
Background:
- Polyoma virus BK (BKV) reactivation is a significant cause of renal allograft dysfunction.
- Understanding BKV prevalence and activity is crucial for managing transplant recipients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prevalence and activity of BKV infection in kidney (KT) and liver (LT) transplant patients.
- To investigate the correlation between BKV infection and renal dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Studied 118 transplant patients for BKV viruria and viremia.
- Assessed Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) status in conjunction with BKV infection.
Main Results:
- 16 patients had BKV viruria (11 KT, 5 LT), with 8 showing viremia (7 KT, 1 LT).
- KT recipients with BKV viruria exhibited impaired renal function (mean sCr 1.7 mg/dL, BUN 80 mg/dL), worsened by viremia.
- LT recipients with BKV viruria had normal renal function (mean sCr 0.9 mg/dL, BUN 36 mg/dL).
Conclusions:
- BKV viruria in renal allograft recipients may indicate viremia and nephropathy, potentially leading to rejection.
- Further follow-up is planned to assess the long-term impact of BKV infection on renal function and graft survival.