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BK Virus and Its Role in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Evolution of a Pathogen

  • Transplant and Oncology (M Ison, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

We reviewed the literature regarding disease induced by BK virus (BKV) in the hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) population, particularly hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) and nephritis. The association between BKV and HC has been reported over the past four decades. BKV has been clinically implicated and widely accepted as an etiologic agent of HC and nephritis in HSCT and nephropathy in renal transplant patients. We discuss the potential benefit of early initiation of therapy in patients who fail supportive care alone as well as the different treatment strategies for HC induced by BKV. Treatments that have been used such as cidofovir and leflunomide are accompanied by risks, and the benefits are not as concrete as with other viral illness in the HSCT population.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Kenneth Pursell and Jennifer delaCruz declare no conflicts of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by the author.

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  1. Section of Infectious Disease and Global Health, University of Chicago Medicine, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC 5065, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA

    Jennifer delaCruz & Kenneth Pursell

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  1. Jennifer delaCruz
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Correspondence to Kenneth Pursell.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Transplant and Oncology

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delaCruz, J., Pursell, K. BK Virus and Its Role in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Evolution of a Pathogen. Curr Infect Dis Rep 16, 417 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11908-014-0417-x

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