Polyomavirus Disease in Kidney Transplantation.
- Author:
Young Hwan HWANG
1
;
Curie AHN
;
Oh Jung KWON
;
Sang Il KIM
;
Yong Lim KIM
;
Yeong Jin CHOI
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Eulji General Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Polyomavirus infections;
Kidney transplantation;
BK virus
- MeSH:
Antiviral Agents;
Biopsy;
BK Virus;
Immunosuppression;
Isoxazoles;
Kidney;
Kidney Transplantation;
Mass Screening;
Plasma;
Polymerase Chain Reaction;
Polyomavirus;
Polyomavirus Infections;
Rejection (Psychology);
Transplants
- From:The Journal of the Korean Society for Transplantation
2008;22(1):13-20
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Polyomavirus disease is a re-emerging infectious complication in renal transplantation. It manifests as symptomless renal dysfunction and progresses to graft loss unless the prompt diagnosis and intervention are initiated. A gold standard for diagnosis is the renal biopsy. Recently, the molecular diagnosis can be made using plasma PCR technique before histologic confirmation. Reduction of immunosuppression is a mainstay of treatment. Leflunomide and other antiviral agents could be used successfully in selected cases. The screening using urine decoy cell and subsequent plasma PCR may detect the BK viral replication, and preemptive intervention will prevent development of overt nephropathy without risk of rejection. This review will cover the recent advances and clinical issues in diagnosis and management of polyomavirus disease, mainly BK virus associated nephropathy.