Childhood Kidney Diseases (Jun 2022)

BK polyomavirus-associated nephropathy

  • Yo Han Ahn,
  • Hee Gyung Kang

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3339/ckd.22.029
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 26, no. 1
pp. 11 – 17

Abstract

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BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is a ubiquitous virus residing in the kidney tubules and is clinically significant only in immunocompromised patients. In clinical practice, BKPyV is a causative pathogen of BKPyV-associated nephropathy (BKVAN) in kidney allograft recipients or hemorrhagic cystitis of hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Currently, there is no effective treatment for BKVAN; therefore, careful monitoring and prudent modification of immunosuppression are necessary to prevent BKVAN. In this article, the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and current management strategies for BKVAN are reviewed.

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