Successful avoidance of renal allograft loss by intensive monitoring of immunosuppression after BK virus-associated nephropathy

Abstract

BK virus-associated nephropathy (BKN) has emerged as an important cause of allograft loss in renal transplant recipients. However, effective anti-viral treatment strategies are poorly defined. The control of viral infection is tentatively obtained by means of a reduction in immunosuppression. We report a case of successful avoidance of renal allograft loss by the intensive monitoring of immunosuppression after BKN. BK viruria is the first sign of active virus replication and progression to BK viremia appears to be a prerequisite for the development of BKN. Periodical urine cytology, ultrasonography and intensive monitoring of immunosuppression are very important for early diagnosis and the proper control of renal transplant recipients against BK virus infection.