BK polyomavirus microRNA expression and sequence variation in polyomavirus-associated nephropathy

Human BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is a common DNA virus with overall 80% seroprevalence [1 –3]. BKPyV is encountered in early childhood, after which asymptomatic lifelong persistence is established in the renourinary tract [4,5]. In immunocompromised individuals, particularly in renal transplant recipients, reactivation of latent BKPyV may cause severe complications [4]. Because up to 1 0% of renal transplant recipients develop polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (PyVAN), these patients are screened for BKPyV viremia and viruria [6].

Source: Journal of Clinical Virology - February 12, 2018 Category: Virology Authors: Elina Virtanen, Hanna Sepp älä, Ilkka Helanterä, Pia Laine, Irmeli Lautenschlager, Lars Paulin, Laura Mannonen, Petri Auvinen, Eeva Auvinen Source Type: research