BK Virus Nephropathy in Kidney Transplantation: A State-of-the-Art Review

Sam Kant; Alana Dasgupta; Serena Bagnasco; Daniel C Brennan

doi:10.3390/v14081616

BK Virus Nephropathy in Kidney Transplantation: A State-of-the-Art Review

Viruses. 2022 Jul 25;14(8):1616. doi: 10.3390/v14081616.

Authors

Sam Kant^{1

2}, Alana Dasgupta³, Serena Bagnasco³, Daniel C Brennan^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21227, USA.
² Comprehensive Transplant Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21227, USA.
³ Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21227, USA.

Abstract

BK virus maintains a latent infection that is ubiquitous in humans. It has a propensity for reactivation in the setting of a dysfunctional cellular immune response and is frequently encountered in kidney transplant recipients. Screening for the virus has been effective in preventing progression to nephropathy and graft loss. However, it can be a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. In this in-depth state-of-the-art review, we will discuss the history of the virus, virology, epidemiology, cellular response, pathogenesis, methods of screening and diagnosis, evidence-based treatment strategies, and upcoming therapeutics, along with the issue of re-transplantation in patients.

Keywords: BK virus; kidney injury; kidney transplantation; nephropathy; viremia.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

BK Virus* / physiology
Humans
Kidney Transplantation* / adverse effects
Polyomavirus Infections*
Tumor Virus Infections*
Viremia

Grants and funding

This work was funded by a generous gift from Melody and Raymond Ranelli. This work was supported by Janet Hartman and The Charles T. Bauer Foundation.