title: BKV QPCR detection and infection monitoring in renal transplant recipients.
abstract: BKV associated nephropathy (BKVAN) is a cause of renal dysfunction and loss of the graft in transplants. Viral primary infection is usually inapparent and then BKV establishes latency in kidneys. Reactivation occurs in immunocompromised conditions in renal transplant recipients who can develop a subclinical nephritis and eventually a BKV-associated interstitial nephritis or a BKVAN. In this study, we searched for BKV copies in urine and plasma of renal transplants by quantitative assay (QPCR). Results showed that in several patients clearance of viremia is associated with persistent viruria, suggesting that both specimens are necessary to correctly monitor a BKVAN.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health Sciences, University La Sapienza Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mischitelli
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fioriti
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Anzivino
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bellizzi
authors.forename: Giancarlo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ferretti
authors.forename: Norberto
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Gussman
authors.forename: Anna Paola
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Mitterhofer
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Tinti
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Barile
authors.forename: Maurizio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dal Maso
authors.forename: Fernanda
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Chiarini
authors.forename: Valeria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Pietropaolo
mesh_terms: D001739:BK Virus / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000097:blood* / Q000652:urine*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000821:virology; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D027601:Polyomavirus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000821:virology; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013997:Time Factors; D014412:Tumor Virus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000821:virology; D019562:Viral Load