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    Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2007 Jul;2 Suppl 1:S36-46.

    BK virus nephropathy and kidney transplantation.

    Bohl DL, Brennan DC.

    Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.

    Nephropathy from BK virus (BKV) infection is an evolving challenge in kidney transplant recipients. It is the consequence of modern potent immunosuppression aimed at reducing acute rejection and improving allograft survival. Untreated BKV infections lead to kidney allograft dysfunction or loss. Decreased immunosuppression is the principle treatment but predisposes to acute and chronic rejection. Screening protocols for early detection and prevention of symptomatic BKV nephropathy have improved outcomes. Although no approved antiviral drug is available, leflunomide, cidofovir, quinolones, and intravenous Ig have been used. Retransplantation after BKV nephropathy has been successful.

    PMID: 17699509 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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