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Published on: July 13, 2019
BK Polyomavirus Infection and Risk Factors in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Kidney Transplant
Begüm Avcı1, Esra Baskın, Kaan Gülleroğlu
1From the Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Başkent University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
Insights
BK polyomavirus infection occurred in 8.3% of pediatric kidney transplant recipients. Early detection and risk factor evaluation are crucial for preventing graft loss from BK polyomavirus nephropathy.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Virology
- Pediatric Transplant Medicine
Background:
- BK polyomavirus (BKV) infection is a significant threat to kidney graft survival post-transplantation.
- Pediatric kidney transplant recipients face unique challenges regarding viral complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of BKV infection in pediatric kidney transplant patients.
- To assess the impact of BKV infection on graft function.
- To identify risk factors associated with BKV infection in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 144 pediatric kidney transplant recipients over 10 years.
- Data collected included demographics, transplant details, immunosuppression, and viral load.
- Comparison of patients with and without BKV infection.
Main Results:
- BKV infection was present in 8.3% of patients, with BK polyomavirus nephropathy in 2.8%.
- Graft loss occurred in 1.4% due to BK polyomavirus nephropathy.
- Higher rates of congenital anomalies and cytomegalovirus co-infection were observed in BKV-positive patients.
Conclusions:
- The frequency of BK polyomavirus nephropathy aligns with existing literature.
- Prompt detection and management of BKV infection are vital for preventing graft loss.
- Close monitoring and risk factor assessment are essential in pediatric kidney transplant care.
Objectives:
BK polyomavirus infection is a critical complication affecting graft survival after kidney transplant. We aimed to determine the frequency, the effect on graft function, and the risk factors of BK polyomavirus infection in pediatric kidney transplant patients.
Materials And Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed data of 144 pediatric patients (female/male: 67/77; 0-18 years of age) who received kidney transplants in the past 10 years at our center. Demographic/ laboratory data, kidney failure etiologies, donor types, and immunosuppressive treatments were recorded. Patients were grouped as those with and without BKV infection, with groups compared in terms of transplant age, sex, kidney failure etiology, donor type, immunosuppressive treatments, presence of ureteral stents, acute rejection episodes, accompanying viral infections, glomerular filtration rate, and graft loss rate.
Results:
Twelve patients (8.3%) had BK polyomavirus infection. All 12 patients had viruria (8.3%), 8 (5.5%) had viremia, and 4 (2.8%) had BK polyomavirus nephropathy. Two patients (1.4%) had graft loss because of BK polyomavirus nephropathy. When patients with and without infection were compared, no significant differences were found in terms of sex, transplant age, donor type, presence of a ureteral stent, acute rejection, graft loss, or immunosuppressive treatment (P > .05). Rates of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract were 30.3% and 66.6% in those without and with BK polyomavirus infection, respectively (P < .05). The group positive for BK polyomavirus had a significantly higher incidence of cytomegalovirus infection versus the group without infection (P < .05). Glomerular filtration rate values at years 1 and 3 were similar between groups (P > .05).
Conclusions:
Frequency of BK polyomavirus nephropathy in pediatric patients undergoing kidney transplant in our center was consistent with data from other centers. Graft loss can be prevented by early detection and treatment through close periodic control and adequate evaluation of risk factors.
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