In 1971, doctors discovered a virus in the urine of a kidney transplant patient whose initials were B.K. The virus was named BK virus. Many people get BK virus as young children, usually without any symptoms. After that, the virus stays quiet in the kidneys for life.
Most problems from BK virus happen in people whose immune systems are weak. This includes people who take anti-rejection medicines after organ transplant. BK virus can cause ongoing damage to a transplanted kidney in about 1–10% of kidney transplant patients.
Kidney damage from BK virus can be confirmed with a kidney biopsy. The injury usually happens later in the course of the infection, so early testing and treatment are important to protect the transplant. Doctors usually check for BK virus with blood or urine tests. Our program regularly screens kidney transplant patients so we can find and treat the virus early.
Lowering the amount of anti-rejection medicine can help reduce the virus. A medication called leflunomide can also help lower the amount of BK virus in the blood and protect the transplanted kidney.
