Abstract
Polyomavirus type BK was first recognized in 1971 from the urine of a renal transplant recipient with unilateral ureteral stenosis. BK virus-related nephropathy was rarely reported before 1995. However, this virus has recently been reported as a cause of interstitial nephritis up to 5% of renal transplant recipients. Persistent polyomavirus replication in renal allograft recipients was identified as an important cause of progressive graft dysfunction and graft loss, especially among those treated with strong immunosuppressive regimens. We report on a case of type BK virus nephropathy in our centre. The definitive diagnosis is based on renal biopsy findings. The presence of abundant decoy cells in urine is a valuable adjuvant diagnostic parameter. The detection of BK virus DNA in the plasma by polymerase-chain-reaction assay is a promising screening tool. Cautious use of immunosuppressive therapy to balance the risk between graft rejection and viral replication is the mainstay treatment at present for BK virus nephropathy in renal transplant recipients. Future development of antiviral therapy and improvement in diagnostic tools are needed.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
