Emerging viruses in transplantation

Abstract

Purpose of review: Several viruses have recently gained importance for the transplant recipient. The purpose of this review is to give an update on emerging viruses in transplantation.

Recent findings: BK virus-associated nephropathy (BKVAN) causes graft loss after kidney transplantation. Immunosuppression lowering strategies have now been shown to have benefit in decreasing the incidence of BKVAN. Guidelines for screening, prevention, and therapy have also been developed. Another polyomavirus, JC virus, is a cause of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and has also gained prominence due to the increasing use of monoclonal antibodies in transplant recipients. The significance of human herpesvirus-6 and -7 continues to be debated in the literature, and new data is available on their association with clinical disease. Finally, newly discovered respiratory viruses, such as human metapneumovirus, bocavirus, KI and WU viruses, have also been described in transplant recipients. Human metapneumovirus appears to cause significant respiratory disease whereas the significance of bocavirus, KI and WU viruses in transplant recipients remains uncertain.

Summary: Viral infections, such as polyomaviruses, human herpesvirus-6 and -7 and respiratory viruses, are emerging as causes of significant disease in transplantation. Antiviral options for these viruses are limited, and decreasing immunosuppression is the cornerstone of therapy.