BK virus nephropathy in a heart transplant recipient: case report and review of the literature

Transpl Infect Dis. 2006 Jun;8(2):113-21. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-3062.2006.00163.x.

Abstract

The human polyomavirus BK virus (BKV) remains latent in the urinary tract and may be reactivated in immunocompromised states. BKV is noted to be the etiologic agent of polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (PVAN), which is a significant cause of allograft failure in renal transplant patients. Renal dysfunction following non-renal solid organ transplantation is common and is typically attributed to drug toxicity or patient comorbidities. In this article we describe a case of PVAN in the native kidneys of a heart transplant recipient and review the literature. Although this is only the fourth case reported, BKV nephropathy should be considered in the differential diagnosis of new renal failure following non-kidney solid organ transplantation, as early diagnosis of PVAN is necessary to prevent irreversible renal damage.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • BK Virus / growth & development*
  • Heart Transplantation / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Kidney Diseases / immunology
  • Kidney Diseases / virology*
  • Male