BKV Q-PCR detection and infection monitoring in renal transplant recipients.

NEWMICROBIOLOGICA, 30, 271-274, 2007BKV QPCR detection and infection monitoringin renal transplant recipientsMonica Mischitelli1, Daniela Fioriti1, Elena Anzivino1, Anna Bellizzi1, Giancarlo Ferretti2,Norberto Gussman2, Anna Paola Mitterhofer3, Francesca Tinti3, Mario Barile3,Maurizio Dal Maso4, Fernanda Chiarini1, Valeria Pietropaolo11Department of Public Health Sciences,2Department of Tropical and Infectious Diseases;3Department of Clinical Medicine, University “La Sapienza” Rome4General Manager, “Umberto I” Hospital, Rome, ItalyBKV associated nephropathy (BKVAN) is a cause of renal dysfunction and loss of the graft in transplants. Viralprimary infection is usually inapparent and then BKV establishes latency in kidneys. Reactivation occurs in immuno-compromised conditions in renal transplant recipients who can develop a subclinical nephritis and eventually aBKV-associated interstitial nephritis or a BKVAN.In this study, we searched for BKV copies in urine and plasma of renal transplants by quantitative assay (QPCR).Results showed that in several patients clearance of viremia is associated with persistent viruria, suggesting thatboth specimens are necessary to correctly monitor a BKVAN.

BKV associated nephropathy (BKVAN) is a cause of renal dysfunction and loss of the graft in transplants. Viral primary infection is usually inapparent and then BKV establishes latency in kidneys. Reactivation occurs in immunocompromised conditions in renal transplant recipients who can develop a subclinical nephritis and eventually a BKV-associated interstitial nephritis or a BKVAN. In this study, we searched for BKV copies in urine and plasma of renal transplants by quantitative assay (QPCR). Results showed that in several patients clearance of viremia is associated with persistent viruria, suggesting that both specimens are necessary to correctly monitor a BKVAN.