An observational cohort study of kidney function evolution following increased BK viral replication

BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) leads to polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (PyVAN), contributing to 5% to 10% of kidney transplant failures.1 Screening of viral replication (primarily via plasma samples) plays a central role in management, but we lack efficacious targeted antiviral treatment.2 On detection of viral replication or diagnosis of PyVAN, immunosuppression is lowered, which often leads to BKPyV clearance, yet also increases rejection risk.3 Multiple companies have started development of targeted treatments for BKPyV and PyVAN, currently setting up clinical trials.