BK virus

Detailed description

Approximately 80 to 90 percent of adults have antibodies against the virus, indicating previous infection and lifelong latency. Most people are infected with the BK virus during childhood, after which it remains in a latent state in the body, particularly in the kidneys. In immunocompromised patients, for example after a kidney or stem cell transplant, it can be reactivated and trigger BK virus-associated nephropathy or hemorrhagic cystitis. There is no specific antiviral therapy. Key measures include reducing immunosuppression and regular virological monitoring. The BK virus is named after the initials of the first patient in whom the virus was detected in urine in 1971.