Testing for polyomavirus type BK DNA in plasma to identify renal-allograft recipients with viral nephropathy

Article Abstract:

Blood tests can reveal the presence of the BK virus in people with a kidney transplant. About 80% of adults worldwide have been exposed to this virus and a closely related one, the JC virus. Usually they cause no symptoms, except in people who have weak immune systems. People who receive an organ transplant must take immunosuppressive drugs, which can activate the virus. In a study of 9 kidney transplant recipients who had BK virus kidney disease, all 9 tested positive for the virus. In two patients, the test became negative when they stopped taking immunosuppressive drugs.

Diagnosis

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Nephropathy due to polyomavirus type BK

Article Abstract:

The polymerase chain reaction and other molecular diagnostic tests can be used to detect polyomavirus type BK. The BK virus is very common, occurring in 60% to 80% of all adults worldwide. However, it rarely causes symptoms in people who have a strong immune system. People who receive an organ transplant are more likely to develop BK virus disease because they must take immunosuppressive drugs to prevent the organ from being rejected. The virus can cause kidney disease, which can weaken the transplanted kidney and increase the risk of rejection.

Editorial, Causes of

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Expression of Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNA (by the EBER-1 gene) in liver specimens from transplant recipients with post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disease

Article Abstract:

Identification and early treatment of liver-transplant patients positive for the EBER-1 gene may prevent the onset of post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD). Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated PTLD is a complication in one to ten percent of liver-transplant patients that can be treated by reducing the level of immunosuppression. The EBER-1 gene is found in patients with inactive EBV infection. Liver tissue samples from 24 transplant patients who developed PTLD were compared with samples from 20 transplant patients who did not. Of the PTLD patients, 71% were positive for the EBER-1 gene. EBER-1 positive cells were found in two of the 20 control group patients, and only a few cells were found. These findings suggest the presence of EBER-1 positive cells may be a useful indicator of transplant patients at risk for EBV-PTLD.

Measurement, Prevention, Liver, Lymphoproliferative disorders, Immunoproliferative disorders, Liver transplantation, Epstein-Barr virus

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