BK virus in kidney transplantation: a case study

Prevention as well as treatment of viral infections in transplant recipients relies on minimal immunosuppressive therapy consistent with graft survival and the use of antiviral therapies in proportion to perceived risk. BK virus creates an even greater challenge in posttransplant management and graft survival because of difficulty in diagnosing and treatment. BK nephropathy develops in 1% to 5% of transplant recipients, with loss of allograft function occurring in 50% of the cases. We present a case of a 67-year-old man who developed BK virus allograft nephropathy 9.5 months after transplantation. His allograft function was extended through rigorous treatment with an antiviral agent, reduction of immunosuppressant, and monitoring in an outpatient setting.