What is polyomavirus associated nephropathy?

What is polyomavirus associated nephropathy?

Polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (PVAN) is one of the most common viral complications in renal transplant recipients and is an increasingly recognized cause of renal transplant dysfunction and graft loss. Since the first description of PVAN in 1995, an increasing prevalence rate from 1% to 10% has been evidenced[1].

What is polyomavirus effect?

Clinical manifestations of polyomavirus occur only with immunosuppression, such as after bone marrow transplantation, and can include cystitis and hematuria. Urine cytology can detect polyomavirus, and the cytopathic effect may persist for several months after cessation of symptoms.

What causes polyomavirus?

In almost all cases the responsible polyomavirus has been BK virus. JCV and SV40 may also be associated with nephropathy, but their clinical course is less severe. It is not known why BK nephropathy has emerged only recently. The usual explanation is the introduction of new, potent immunosuppressive medications.

What is PVAN?

Polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (PVAN) is an emerging disease in renal transplant patients with variable prevalence of 1-10% and graft loss up to 80%. BK virus (BKV) is the primary etiologic agent, but JC virus (JCV) and possibly simian virus SV40 may account for some cases.

Is there a cure for polyomavirus?

There is no known treatment for the polyomavirus disease.

How is polyomavirus diagnosed?

Traditional methods for detecting and identifying HPyVs include virus isolation by cell culturing and electron microscopy. More recently, PCR analysis has enabled sensitive and specific detection of these viruses in a different range of clinical samples.

How do you get rid of polyomavirus?

There is no definitive treatment for birds with polyomavirus infection, other than supportive care. Birds with mild hemorrhaging might benefit from vitamin K injections and supportive veterinary care. Often, the disease progresses so quickly that no treatment will be effective.

What are the symptoms of polyomavirus?

Birds with polyomavirus infection may display symptoms, including:

• A swollen (distended) abdomen.
• Loss of appetite.
• Regurgitation.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Dehydration.
• Weight loss.
• Depression.

How do you beat BK virus on a kidney transplant?

In conclusion, routine screening for BK virus reactivation and active use of graft biopsy are the most reliable ways to overcome BK virus infection in pediatric kidney transplant recipients.

How do I prevent BK virus?

BK virus proliferation is well controlled by the host cellular immune response. Therefore, currently, the best treatment is reduction in immunosuppression to restore the host cellular immune response.