BK virus nephropathy: a pediatric nephrologist's perspective

Polyomavirus (BK)–associated nephropathy (BKVN) is now recognized as significant problem in pediatric renal transplants that may lead to progressive allograft dysfunction. BKVN was first recognized in 1999 in adult renal transplant recipients, and most data have been obtained from this patient population. Today, there is an increasing number of publications pertaining to children with BKVN that allows for a selective analysis of the pediatric population. Most early pediatric publications were predominantly cases reports. However, several retrospective and prospective studies are now available that provide important insights with respect to the incidence of BKVN in the pediatric transplant population, the efficacy of treatment strategies, and the risk factors for developing BKVN. This review analyzes several of the most significant studies that address these issues.