Frequency and time dynamics of polyomavirus infection following renal transplantation

AIM OF THE STUDY was to determine the detection rates for BK and JC polyomaviruses in urine sediment and blood leucocytes of patients after kidney transplantation (Tx), dependent on patients’ age and duration of post-transplant follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS. The study involved 52 patients (pts) after Tx, including those with chronic glomerulonephritis/nephropathies (n=38), diabetic nephropathy (n=14). All patients received immunosuppression based on calcineurin inhibitors, MMF and prednosone. DNA was isolated from urinary sediments and peripheral blood leukocytes. BK and JC DNA were determined by means of gene-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS. Incidence of polyomaviruses in urine was 25% and 14% for ВК and JC, respectively. Blood samples were PCR-positive for ВК (33% of samples), and JC (28%). Viruria and viremia were not significantly associated, while a distinct correlation was found between BK- and JC-positivity either in urine sediment or in blood leucocytes. BK/JC co-infection was found in 8% of urinary specimens, and 13% of blood specimens. Urine JC positivity in patients with diabetic nephropathy increased, as compared to other groups (33% vs 23%, р=0,04), being especially high during 2nd year post-Tx. CONCLUSION. Our data are indicative for rather high BK and JC positivity, including co-infection (BK+JC), both in urinary and blood cells. Age, post-Tx period and diabetes are suggested to be a potential confounders. Clinical and biological value of the data obtained requires further studies.

kidney transplantation , immune suppression , polyomavirus , BK virus , JC virus , urine , blood , PCR-diagnostics

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