The human polyomavirus BK (BKPyV): virological background and clinical implications

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Nephrology

Background:

• Polyomavirus BK (BKPyV) establishes lifelong infections in the human genitourinary tract.
• Infection is typically asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals but can reactivate.
• Reactivation in immunocompromised patients causes severe diseases like PyVAN and PyVHC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize current knowledge on BKPyV infection.
• To highlight the clinical manifestations and diagnostic methods for BKPyV-associated diseases.
• To discuss the challenges in treating BKPyV infections.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on BKPyV.
• Summary of diagnostic techniques including qPCR, cytology, and histology.
• Analysis of treatment strategies for BKPyV-associated nephropathy and hemorrhagic cystitis.

Main Results:

• BKPyV reactivation leads to significant morbidity in transplant recipients.
• Diagnosis relies on viral load detection and tissue examination.
• Current management focuses on immune modulation for PyVAN and supportive care for PyVHC.

Conclusions:

• Effective antiviral therapies for BKPyV are lacking.
• Managing BKPyV complications requires careful monitoring of immunocompromised patients.
• Further research is needed to develop targeted antiviral treatments.