Monitoring BK Virus in Kidney Transplant Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Elena Anzivino, Anna Bellizzi, Anna Paola Mitterhofer, Francesca Tinti, Mario Barile, Maria Teresa Colosimo, Daniela Fioriti, Monica Mischitelli, Fernanda Chiarini, Giancarlo Ferretti, Gloria Taliani, Valeria Pietropaolo
Primary Institution: Sapienza University of Rome
Hypothesis
Does BK virus replication differ in kidney transplant patients during the first six months post-transplantation?
Conclusion
BK virus replication peaks in the third month after kidney transplantation and then decreases, potentially due to the effects of immunosuppressive therapy.
Supporting Evidence
- BKV was detected in 4 out of 60 urine samples and 16 out of 60 plasma samples at the time of transplantation.
- At three months post-transplantation, 32 out of 60 patients had BKV in their urine and plasma.
- By six months, the number of patients with BKV decreased to 17 out of 60.
Takeaway
Doctors checked the blood and urine of kidney transplant patients for a virus called BK. They found that the virus was most active three months after the transplant but then started to go down.
Methodology
The study monitored BK virus levels in blood and urine samples from kidney transplant patients at four time points using quantitative PCR.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the observational nature of the study and lack of control group.
Limitations
The study did not evaluate the serological status of donors and recipients before transplantation.
Participant Demographics
Adult kidney transplant patients, specifics on age and gender not provided.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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