Background: BK polyoma virus (BKV) has emerged as an important cause of acute and chronic allograft injury in renal transplant recipients. Reactivation of latent infection requires reduction in cell-mediated immunity. We hypothesized that BKV could get reactivated in the urinary tract of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and impact the allograft function after these individuals undergo transplantation.
Methods: We prospectively examined the urine specimens of 68 ESRD patients and their donors for BKV inclusion containing decoy cells with Papanicoulau staining and immunohistochemistry. Polymerase chain reaction was carried out to confirm the presence of viral DNA. Urine examination was repeated 3-9 months after transplantation and during episodes of graft dysfunction. All graft dysfunction episodes were investigated by biopsy. BKV-associated nephropathy was confirmed by immunoperoxidase staining. Graft loss and doubling of serum creatinine were the study end-points.
Results: Decoy cells were detected in 22 ESRD patients and four donors (P < 0.0001). All 22 continued decoy cell excretion after transplantation and two fresh excreters were noted. Patients exhibiting decoy cells had more frequent graft dysfunction episodes (67% vs 30%, P = 0.003) and higher serum creatinine value (P < 0.001). About 33% patients achieved the combined end-points in the BK viruria group, compared with 11% in the non-decoy cell excreters (P = 0.03). Histologically proved BKV nephropathy was noted in 7% cases; all decoy cell excreters.
Conclusion: We conclude that reactivation of latent BKV infection can occur in ESRD and confers an increased risk of graft dysfunction after transplantation. The mechanism of graft dysfunction in decoy cell excreters who do not develop overt nephropathy needs more studies.