Risk factors for BK virus viremia and nephropathy after kidney transplantation: a systematic review

In recent years, BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) infection has emerged as a major problem in kidney transplant recipients. About 90% of the latter are seropositive for BKPyV [1]. The virus reactivates periodically with urinary shedding but remains asymptomatic in immunocompetent adults. The immunosuppressive therapy used to prevent rejection after solid organ transplantation allows viral infections to emerge. In particular, BK virus can reactivate after kidney transplantation, and may induce progressive disease in three successive stages: viruria, viremia, and then (if viral replication persists) nephropathy.
Source: Journal of Clinical Virology - Category: Virology Authors: Source Type: research