JC virus infection in kidney transplant recipients

Abstract

Objective To investigate JC virus(JCV) infection in kidney transplant recipients and its influence on graft function and also initially explore JCV infection factors. Methods A total of 49 kidney transplant recipients and 24 health examination persons were enrolled in our study, JCV DNA was measured using nested qualitative polymerase chain reaction assays of urine, while CMV DNA was measured by common qualitative polymerase chain reaction assays of urine. JCV infection factors, such as age, male, immunosuppressive therapy, cytomegalovirus(CMV) infection were analyzed by Binary Logistic Regression, and glomerular filtration rate(GFR) was selected as a index of kidney function and the difference of GFR between JCV-infected and non-infected patients was compared using t test. Results JCV was detected in 42.9% of kidney transplant patients and 4.2% health examination persons. CMV infection and Pred + MMF + CsA triple immunosuppressive regimen were found to be the risk factors of JCV infection. No difference of GFR was observed between JCV infected and non-infected patients (86.470 ± 29.990 and 84.060 ± 33. 729 for each; t =0. 259, P =0.797). Conclusion JCV is frequently detected in kidney transplant recipients. CMV infection and using of Pred + MMF + CsA triple immunosuppressive regimen can significantly increase the risk of JCV infection. While, graft function was not influenced by JCV infection in kidney transplant patients. Key words: JC virus; Transplant; Urine; Infection