Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Kidney Transplant Recipients With BK Polyomavirus-Associated Nephropathy

Abstract

Introduction: BK polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (BKPyVAN) is associated with graft dysfunction and loss; however, knowledge of immunosuppression reduction strategies and long-term graft, and patient outcomes across the disease spectrum is lacking. Methods: This cohort study included 14,697 kidney transplant recipients in Australia and New Zealand (2005−2019), followed for 91,306 person years. Results: BKPyVAN occurred in 460 recipients (3%) at a median posttransplant time of 4.8 months (interquartile range, 3.1−10.8). Graft loss (35% vs. 21%, P < 0.001), rejection (42% vs. 25%, P < 0.001), and death (18% vs. 13%, P = 0.002) were more common in the BKPyVAN group. The most frequent change..