Parvovirus in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Single-Center Experience

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Infectious Diseases
• Virology

Background:

• Parvovirus B19 infection is not routinely tested for, potentially leading to underdiagnosis in renal transplant recipients.
• This study investigates the prevalence and impact of parvovirus B19 anemia in this vulnerable population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the clinical presentation, outcomes, and graft function in renal transplant recipients with parvovirus B19 anemia.
• To highlight the underreported nature of parvovirus B19 in this patient group.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of 22 parvovirus B19 anemia events in 20 renal transplant recipients over 18 months.
• Parvovirus B19 infection was confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction in patients with anemia and relevant clinical or biopsy findings.

Main Results:

• The median time to diagnosis was 2 months post-transplant, with all patients presenting with anemia (mean hemoglobin 6.02 g/dL).
• Patients experienced transient graft dysfunction, with creatinine levels significantly increasing during therapy but returning to near baseline post-treatment.
• Two patients (10%) experienced recurrent parvovirus B19 infection.

Conclusions:

• Parvovirus B19 is an underrecognized cause of anemia and transient graft dysfunction in renal transplant recipients.
• Treatment involving immunosuppression reduction and immunoglobulin therapy is effective, leading to mostly reversible graft dysfunction.