title: BK virus nephropathy and kidney transplantation.
abstract: Nephropathy from BK virus (BKV) infection is an evolving challenge in kidney transplant recipients. It is the consequence of modern potent immunosuppression aimed at reducing acute rejection and improving allograft survival. Untreated BKV infections lead to kidney allograft dysfunction or loss. Decreased immunosuppression is the principle treatment but predisposes to acute and chronic rejection. Screening protocols for early detection and prevention of symptomatic BKV nephropathy have improved outcomes. Although no approved antiviral drug is available, leflunomide, cidofovir, quinolones, and intravenous Ig have been used. Retransplantation after BKV nephropathy has been successful.
authors: Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.
authors: Daniel L
authors: DL
authors: Bohl
authors: Daniel C
authors: DC
authors: Brennan
mesh_terms: D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001739:BK Virus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000472:pathogenicity; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007668:Kidney / Q000276:immunology / Q000601:surgery / Q000821:virology*; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000601:surgery / Q000821:virology*; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D008403:Mass Screening; D027601:Polyomavirus Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology*; D012086:Reoperation; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents