Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2025

Measurement of BK-polyomavirus Non-Coding Control Region Driven Transcriptional Activity Via Flow Cytometry
Published on: July 13, 2019
Glomerulonephritis with Crescents in Polyomavirus Nephropathy
Aravind Sekar1, Ritambhra Nada1, Harbir S Kohli2
1Department of Histopathology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
Polyomavirus nephropathy (PVN) can affect kidney transplants when BK virus (BKV) reactivates. This rare case shows BKV causing glomerular damage and crescent formation, leading to graft failure despite immunosuppression withdrawal.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Transplantation Immunology
- Virology
Background:
- Polyomavirus nephropathy (PVN) is a complication of renal transplantation caused by BK virus (BKV) reactivation.
- BKV replication typically affects renal tubules, but severe cases can involve glomeruli.
Observation:
- A rare case of PVN with glomerular involvement and crescent formation is presented in a renal transplant recipient.
- The patient experienced graft failure 16 months post-transplant, even after immunosuppression cessation.
Findings:
- Intense IgG and C4d positivity were observed in the Bowman capsule via immunofluorescence.
- These findings suggest a potential immune-mediated component alongside viral replication in glomerular PVN.
Implications:
- Glomerular involvement in PVN can lead to crescent formation and graft failure.
- Pathologists should be vigilant for BKV inclusions and perform SV40 T antigen immunohistochemistry in relevant biopsies.
More Related Videos
09:43Analyses of Proteinuria, Renal Infiltration of Leukocytes, and Renal Deposition of Proteins in Lupus-prone MRL/lpr Mice
Published on: June 8, 2022
06:39Glomerular Outgrowth as an Ex Vivo Assay to Analyze Pathways Involved in Parietal Epithelial Cell Activation
Published on: August 19, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Nephrons
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction
Renal Corpuscle
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous...
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention