BK polyomavirus in kidney transplant recipients: screening, monitoring and clinical management

J Bras Nefrol. 2014 Oct-Dec;36(4):529-34. doi: 10.5935/0101-2800.20140075.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is a causal agent of nephropathy, ureteral stenosis and hemorrhagic cystitis in kidney transplant recipients, and is considered an important emerging disease in transplantation. Regular screening for BKPyV reactivation mainly during the first 2 years posttransplant, with subsequent pre-emptive reduction of immunosuppression is considered the best option to avoid disease progression, since successful clearance or reduction of viremia is achieved in the vast majority of patients within 6 months. The use of drugs with antiviral properties for patients with persistent viremia has been attempted despite unclear benefits. Clinical manifestations of BKPyV nephropathy, current strategies for diagnosis and monitoring of BKPyV infection, management of immunosuppressive regimen after detection of BKPyV reactivation and the use of antiviral drugs are discussed in this review.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • BK Virus*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppression Therapy / adverse effects
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Monitoring, Physiologic
  • Polyomavirus Infections / diagnosis*
  • Polyomavirus Infections / immunology
  • Polyomavirus Infections / therapy*
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis*
  • Postoperative Complications / immunology
  • Postoperative Complications / therapy*
  • Tumor Virus Infections / diagnosis*
  • Tumor Virus Infections / immunology
  • Tumor Virus Infections / therapy*