RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Different patterns of BK and JC polyomavirus reactivation following renal transplantation
JF Journal of Clinical Pathology
JO J Clin Pathol
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Association of Clinical Pathologists
SP 714
OP 718
DO 10.1136/jcp.2009.074864
VO 63
IS 8
A1 Saundh, Baljit K
A1 Tibble, Stephen
A1 Baker, Richard
A1 Sasnauskas, Kestutis
A1 Harris, Mark
A1 Hale, Antony
YR 2010
UL http://jcp.bmj.com/content/63/8/714.abstract
AB Aim Reactivation of latent BK polyomavirus (BKV) infection is relatively common following renal transplantation and BKV-associated nephropathy has emerged as a significant complication. JC polyomavirus (JCV) reactivation is less well studied. The aim of the study was to determine reactivation patterns for these polyomaviruses in renal transplant recipients using an in-house quantitative real-time multiplex PCR assay and IgG serological assays using recombinant BK and JC virus-like particles.Methods Retrospective analysis of urine and plasma samples collected from 30 renal transplant patients from February 2004 to May 2005 at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Samples were collected at 5 days and thereafter at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months post-transplantation.Results Eight patients (26.7%) were positive for BK viruria; three of these patients submitted plasma samples and two had BK viraemia. Five patients (16.7%) were positive for JC viruria. A corresponding rise in BKV and JCV antibody titres was seen in association with high levels of viruria.Conclusions Different patterns of reactivation were observed: BK viruria was detected after 3–6 months, and JC viruria was observed as early as 5 days post-transplantation. One patient had biopsy-proven BKV nephropathy. No dual infections were seen. In order to ensure better graft survival, early diagnosis of these polyomaviruses is desirable.