Nephropathy Due to Polyomavirus Type BK

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Abstract
Polyomavirus type BK (BK virus) is a nonenveloped virus with circular, double-stranded DNA that has 70 percent homology with simian virus 40. It was first recognized as a member of the polyomavirus family in 1971, after isolation from the urine of a renal-transplant recipient with ureteral stenosis.1,2 Subsequent studies documented a worldwide rate of seroprevalence in adults of 60 to 80 percent, with first infections usually occurring in childhood by the respiratory route, followed by latency of the virus in the urogenital tract. Among renal-transplant recipients who are receiving immunosuppressive therapy, 10 to 60 percent have reactivation of polyomavirus . . .