BK virus infection (looks like JC Virus)

Definition

BK virus belongs to polyoma virus. Whole 80% healthy persons have latent infection (existing viruses without symptoms). The infection does not cause rheumatic symptoms, but by a weakened immune system such as during immunosuppressive, anti-rheumatic treatment, by organ transplantation or by HIV infection, BK virus infection can be severe. The stronger the immune suppression, the more serious the infection.

Contagion mechanism

Not completely clear, but may be via saliva and other body fluids

Symptoms

• 1% - 10% after transplantation
• Remitting fever
• Pulmonary symptoms
• Kidneys (increasing kidney failure and pathological urine)

Diagnosis

Proven by PCR examination from blood, urine or tissue sample from kidneys

Treatment

• Reducing immune suppression: Tacrolimus can be replaced with cyclosporin
• Supplements with leflunomide (Arava)
• Ciprofloxacin
• IV immunoglobulin

Literature

• Gupta N, 2017 (Children with SLE and BKv-iris infection)
• Wikipedia

Opportunistic infections, BINDEVEVSSYKDOMMER.no

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