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Updated: Feb 24, 2026

Measurement of BK-polyomavirus Non-Coding Control Region Driven Transcriptional Activity Via Flow Cytometry
Published on: July 13, 2019
[Early intervention of BK virus replication promotes stabilization of renal graft function]
Wei-Ming Deng1, Yan-Na Liu, Li-Xin Yu
1Department of Organ Transplantation, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
Objective:
To investigate the optimal time window for intervention of BK virus (BKV) replication and its effect on the outcomes of kidney transplant recipients (KTRs).
Methods:
A retrospective analysis of the clinical data and treatment regimens was conducted among KTRs whose urine BKV load was ≥1.0×104 copies/mL following the operation between April, 2000 and April, 2015. KTRs with urine BKV load <1.0×104 copies/mL matched for transplantation time served as the control group.
Results:
A total of 54 recipients positive for urine BKV were included in the analysis. According to urine BKV load, the recipients were divided into 3 groups: group A with urine BKV load of 1.0×104-1.0×107 copies/mL (n=22), group B with urine BKV load >1.0×107 copies/mL (n=24), and group C with plasma BKV load ≥1.0×104 copies/mL (n=8); 47 recipients were included in the control group. During the follow-up for 3.2-34.5 months, the urine and plasma BKV load was obviously lowered after intervention in all the 54 BKV-positive recipients (P<0.05). Eighteen (81.82%) of the recipients in group A and 19 (79.17%) in group B showed stable or improved estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) after the intervention; in group C, 4 recipients (50%) showed stable eGFR after the intervention. In the last follow-up, the recipients in groups A and B showed similar eGFR with the control group (P>0.05), but in group C, eGFR was significantly lower than that of the control group (P=0.001). The recipients in group A and the control group had the best allograft outcome with stable or improved eGFR.
Conclusion:
Early intervention of BKV replication (urine BKV load ≥1.0×104 copies/mL) in KTRs with appropriate immunosuppression reduction can be helpful for stabilizing the allograft function and improving the long-term outcomes.
Insights
Early intervention for BK virus (BKV) replication in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) with urine BKV load ≥1.0×104 copies/mL improves allograft function. Prompt treatment stabilizes kidney function and enhances long-term outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Virology
- Transplant Immunology
Context:
- Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) are susceptible to BK virus (BKV) replication, which can impair graft function.
- Monitoring urine BKV load is crucial for early detection of viral reactivation post-transplant.
Purpose:
- To determine the optimal timing for initiating BKV intervention in KTRs.
- To evaluate the impact of early BKV intervention on kidney allograft outcomes.
Summary:
- A retrospective study analyzed 54 KTRs with elevated urine BKV load (≥1.0×104 copies/mL) and compared them to controls.
- Intervention, including immunosuppression reduction, significantly lowered BKV loads.
- Recipients with early intervention (urine BKV load 1.0×104-1.0×107 copies/mL) showed stable or improved eGFR, comparable to controls.
Impact:
- Early detection and intervention of BKV replication can prevent significant decline in kidney allograft function.
- Optimizing intervention timing is key to improving long-term graft survival in KTRs.
- This study highlights the importance of managing BKV to preserve transplanted kidney health.
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Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
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Acute Kidney Injury I: Introduction

