BK transplant nephropathy successfully treated with cidofovir

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Abstract
BK‐virus‐induced interstitial nephritis (BK nephropathy) is a recently recognized condition affecting renal allografts that may lead to graft failure [1]. BK‐virus infection is endemic worldwide with seroprevalence rates in normal adults of 60–80% [1]. Risk factors for BK nephropathy include high levels of immunosuppression, particularly involving tacrolimus [2]. There is no established treatment other than reduction of immunosuppression to aid viral clearance, which risks acute irreversible rejection [3]. There are in vitro data showing that cidofovir inhibits BK virus replication, but there are no studies in renal transplant recipients [4]. We report a case of BK nephropathy successfully treated with intravenous cidofovir and a modest reduction in immunosuppression.