Ultrastructural observations in a case of BK virus nephropathy with viruses in glomerular subepithelial humps.
BK virus nephropathy is a known cause of renal transplant dysfunction and failure. The disease is identified by examination of kidney biopsy tissue utilizing histopathological techniques. Ultrastructural examination of two glomeruli revealed pathology within one glomerulus. Glomerular basement membranes contained subepithelial humps of deposit-like material and BK viruses were identified within this material. Viruses were identified within intertubular capillaries. There was evidence of cytoplasmic clearance of viruses from the glomerular basement membrane by podocytes. The findings may be relevant to the investigation of hump formation and antigen clearance in BK virus nephropathy and postinfectious glomerulonephritis.
Brealey
John K
JK
Electron Microscope Unit, Institute of Medical & Veterinary Science, Division of Pathology, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. john.brealey@imvs.sa.gov.au
D001739:BK Virus; D005260:Female; D050533:Glomerular Basement Membrane / Q000648:ultrastructure / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology*; D007678:Kidney Glomerulus / Q000648:ultrastructure* / Q000821:virology; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008875:Middle Aged; D027601:Polyomavirus Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D014412:Tumor Virus Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology