Reactivation of BKV and AdV infections during post-transplant immunosuppressive therapy

Abstract

Introduction. Viral infections are an important problem in transplantology. Infections in recipients may develop as a result of the original infection or reactivation of a latent infection. Many viruses have the ability to enter into a latent state without symptoms. The most common groups of viruses causing infections in patients after transplantations are herpersviruses, hepatotropic viruses, retroviruses, adenoviruses and poliomaviruses. Objectives. The aim of the presented study is to analyze the incidence of infections caused by BKV and AdV in a group of patients after kidney and bone marrow transplant. Material and methods. The study group consisted of 13 patients after bone marrow transplantation and a group of 10 patients after kidney transplantation. DNA was isolated from urine and serum and analysed with PCR auto-nested reaction. The amplification products were separated in agarose gel. Results. A positive result for AdV was recorded in 7 patients after bone marrow transplant and 5 patients after renal transplant. BK virus was detected in the urine of 13 patients, and in the blood sample of 5 patients. Discussion. Reactivation of a virus during immunosuppression is a frequent cause of graft rejection. In addition, in patients with impaired immune system, mixed infections with various types of viruses are becoming a serious problem. This study confirm that infections with BKV and AdV viruses are a major problem in the field of transplantation. Conclusion. BKV and AdV are common causes of infections affecting patients after renal and bone marrow transplantation. BKV infections are often accompanied by human adenovirus infection. Adenovirus infections are a more common cause of infection in bone marrow transplant patients than in patients after renal transplantation.