A Single Center's Experience with BK-Virus Frequency in Post-Renal Transplant Patients in IKD Peshawar

Abstract

Objective: To measure the incidence of BK-Virus infection, treatment, and complications among   patients who had kidney transplants at the Institute of Kidney Diseases (IKD) in Peshawar, Pakistan.

Methodology: The single center experience retrospective study was conducted in IKD Peshawar, Pakistan from January to December 2021. Clinical and analytical data was gathered. Blood samples were tested for BK virus load using quantitative DNA-polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results: A total of 131 patients were examined. Of the 131 participants, 117 (89.4%) were males and 14 (10.6%) were females, with a mean age of 30.04 5.41. All of the patients received a transplant from a blood relative. After six months, the BK-Virus plasma PCR was found to be positive in eight patients (6.2%) who had had kidney transplantation.

Conclusion: Patients who have had a kidney transplant and are on induction treatment or other forms of immune-suppression are at an increased risk of contracting the BK-Virus infection. Immunosuppressive medicines should be reduced to the barest minimum for effective treatment.

Keywords: Transplanted Kidneys, BK Virus.