Prospective study of BKV nephropathy in 117 renal transplant recipients

New Microbiol. 2007 Apr;30(2):127-30.

Abstract

Nephropathy caused by poliomavirus (BKVAN) in transplant recipients is responsible for the loss of the transplanted organ. In this study we suggest a non-invasive diagnostic protocol for the early identification of BKVAN during follow-up treatments. In 117 kidney transplant recipients follow-up was performed every three months during a two year period after transplantation and a positive screening result was confirmed and assessed by quantitative assays (BKV DNA load in plasma and urine). The definitive diagnosis of BKV requires allograft biopsy. Of the 117 patients 4 had BKVAN (3.4%), and the consequential reduction of immunosuppression improved kidney function and plasma clearance of the virus was achieved.

MeSH terms

  • BK Virus / isolation & purification*
  • Biopsy
  • DNA, Viral / analysis
  • DNA, Viral / genetics
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Kidney Diseases / complications
  • Kidney Diseases / drug therapy
  • Kidney Diseases / virology*
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
  • Polyomavirus Infections / diagnosis*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Tumor Virus Infections / diagnosis*
  • Viral Load

Substances

  • DNA, Viral
  • Immunosuppressive Agents