BK Virus in Recipients of Kidney Transplants

Since its discovery in 1971, the BK virus, a human polyomavirus, has emerged as a significant cause of renal dysfunction and transplant graft loss in kidney transplant recipients. Improved screening methods have been effective in assisting in the early identification of the virus, and thus, prompt intervention to prevent the progression of the disease. Treatment options for the virus are limited; therefore, lowering immunosuppressive medications should be considered the first line of treatment. Current adjunctive therapies are not guaranteed to control the viral activity and may have limited therapeutic value.