Polyomavirus BK infection

Abstract

Because it is an important factor affecting renal transplant function, BK infections are significant problem in posttransplant. BK nephropathy develops in 5% of renal allograft recipients, in most cases within the first year after the procedure. The gold standard for BK nephropathy diagnosis is still immunohistochemical staining for large T antigen in graft biopsy specimens. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence of and factors influencing BK nephropathy in our renal allograft population. Among 89 renal or pancreas/kidney allograft recipients, BKV DNA was detected in 1 or more serum samples in 17 patients but BK nephropathy was diagnosed in only 1 case. Plasmacytic tubulitis was an exclusive feature in PCR-positive patients with 2 (20%) cases but no such findings in the PCR-negative group. In 40% of patients in the PCR-positive group at least 1 rejection episode was diagnosed versus 22% in the PCR-negative group. There were no significant differences in both groups according to total ischemia time, immunosuppressive treatments, or mean serum creatinine at 1 year after transplantation.