Testing for Polyomavirus Type BK DNA in Plasma to Identify Renal-Allograft Recipients with Viral Nephropathy

Abstract

Testing for BK virus DNA in plasma from renal-allograft recipients with use of the polymerase chain reaction is a sensitive and specific method for identifying viral nephropathy.

Histological Patterns of Polyomavirus Nephropathy: Correlation with Graft Outcome and Viral Load

“…The re-emergence of polyomavirus allograft nephropathy (PVAN) has been amply documented in many centers (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15). The specific factors that influence outcome are not known, but graft loss has been attributed to a late diagnosis of PVAN in kidneys already showing irreversible tissue damage (scarring) (7).…”

“…The histological diagnosis of PVAN is complicated by the wide spectrum of pathological changes ranging from limited to extensive parenchymal disease and the presence of inflammatory infiltrates similar to those of acute rejection (3,4,8,9,18). Given the importance of allograft biopsy for early diagnosis and intervention in PVAN, understanding of the histological features and consideration of potential tissue sampling errors are of paramount importance (21,22).…”

Oncogenic transformation by BK virus and association with human tumors

“…This evidence may have important consequences on the routes and mechanisms of virus transmission, as well as on the epidemiology and reactivation of BKV latent infection. Inflammatory syndromes affecting several organs were described after BKV infection or reactivation in both immunosuppressed and immunocompetent individuals (Bratt et al, 1999;Cubukcu-Dimopulo et al, 2000;Nickeleit et al, 2000;Reploeg et al, 2001). An association between hemorrhagic cystitis and BKV was shown in immunosuppressed bone marrow transplant recipients (Azzi et al, 1994).…”

The Evaluation of the Renal Transplant Candidates: Clinical Practice Guidelines

“…syphilis (142), strongyloidiasis (143)(144)(145), toxoplasmosis (146), herpes type II infection (147)(148)(149), and/or infections for which there is no known prevention or specific treatment, e.g. polyoma virus (BK strain) infection (150)(151)(152)(153)(154)(155). Whenever possible, transplant candidates should receive immunizations for infections that are prevalent (and potentially life-threatening) after renal transplantation.…”