What does BK virus stand for?
BK virus is an abbreviation of the name of the first patient, from whom the virus was isolated in 1971 (the patient was then 29 years old). BK virus. Micrograph showing a polyomavirus infected cell — large (blue) cell below-center-left.
How do you get rid of BK virus in kidney transplant?
Treatment
- The goal in treating BKV infection is to eliminate the virus while preserving renal function and preventing acute or chronic rejection.
- Discontinuation of a single immunosuppression agent, antimetabolite (MMF or azathioprine), upon recognition of viremia has been used successfully to clear viremia (49).
How do you get BK virus?
A BK virus (BKV) infection is a common viral infection that usually does not cause problems. The BK virus may be spread if you have contact with infected blood or body fluids, such as saliva. It can spread from one person to another during an organ transplant or from a mother to her baby during delivery.
How do I prevent BK virus?
BK virus proliferation is well controlled by the host cellular immune response. Therefore, currently, the best treatment is reduction in immunosuppression to restore the host cellular immune response.
What is a high level of BK virus?
A high level of BK viruria (≥ 25 million copies/mL) was found in 110 (30.1%) patients. At least 1 blood or biopsy BK test was available for all patients. Blood tests for BKV DNA were available for 361 patients, and 52 (14.4%) were positive.
Can BK virus be treated?
BK virus, first isolated in 1971, is a significant risk factor for renal transplant dysfunction and allograft loss. Unfortunately, treatment options for BK virus infection are limited, and there is no effective prophylaxis.
Can BK virus come back?
You can have BK virus in your system and not be aware of it. After your transplant, the virus may become active again. This is from the anti-rejection medicines. It can damage your new kidney and cause your body to reject it.
What is BK virus nephropathy (bkvn)?
Background: BK virus nephropathy (BKVN) is one of the complications of renal transplantation that causes graft loss in renal transplant recipients. Objective: To determine the incidence of BKVN after renal transplantation in Hasheminejad Hospital, Tehran, Iran.
How is BK virus detected in blood?
BK Virus Quantitative PCR, Blood The detection and quantitation of BKV by real-time PCR amplification. PCR detects amplicons of the Large T antigen and VP1 genes.
What is the BKV DNA assay?
This assay detects and quantifies the level of BK virus (BKV) DNA present in the plasma of kidney transplant recipients who are at risk of developing BKV-associated nephropathy leading to decreasing renal function and eventual renal failure. The assay is calibrated to the First World Health Organization International Standard for BKV DNA.
Should all kidney transplant recipients be screened for bkvn?
Despite a high rate of BK viral infection, no one with BKVN was observed in our kidney transplant recipients. Therefore, screening of all transplant recipients for BKVN is not recommended. Despite a high rate of BK viral infection, no one with BKVN was observed in our kidney transplant recipients.