BMC Infectious Diseases (Sep 2023)

BK viraemia as a cause of anaemia in after ABO-incompatible liver transplant: a case report

  • Lucy McMullen,
  • Liane Khoo,
  • Lyndal Anderson,
  • Simone Strasser,
  • David M Gracey

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-023-08601-5
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 23, no. 1
pp. 1 – 5

Abstract

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Abstract Background While anaemia following liver transplant is common, anaemia in the context of BK viraemia is not a commonly recognised phenomenon. Case presentation We present the case of 59-year old gentleman with severe anaemia in the context of BK viraemia and nephropathy following ABO incompatible liver transplant. Severity of anaemia appeared to correlate with high titres of BK virus in the serum. Bone marrow biopsy revealed hypocellular marrow with normal cytogenetics. Anaemia improved with treatment with cidofovir, intravenous immunoglobulin, reduction in immunosuppression and erythropoietin stimulating agent. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first case of anaemia post liver transplant contributed to by BK viraemia.

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