title: BK polyomavirus: emerging pathogen.
abstract: BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is a small double-stranded DNA virus that is an emerging pathogen in immunocompromised individuals. BKPyV is widespread in the general population, but primarily causes disease when immune suppression leads to reactivation of latent virus. Polyomavirus-associated nephropathy and hemorrhagic cystitis in renal and bone marrow transplant patients, respectively, are the most common diseases associated with BKPyV reactivation and lytic infection. In this review, we discuss the clinical relevance, effects on the host, virus life cycle, and current treatment protocols.
authors.affiliation: Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, 5724 Medical Science II, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5620, USA.
authors.forename: Shauna M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Bennett
authors.forename: Nicole M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Broekema
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Imperiale
mesh_terms: D001739:BK Virus / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D021821:Communicable Diseases, Emerging / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D027601:Polyomavirus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy / Q000821:virology; D014412:Tumor Virus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy / Q000821:virology