BK virus

BK vi·rus

a human polyomavirus, in the family Papovaviridae, of worldwide distribution, that produces kidney infections that are usually subclinical in immunocompetent people.

[initials of patient from whom first isolated]

BK virus

A small human polyomavirus which, like the JC virus, can transform infected cells in culture; up to 80% of the general population (US) have been exposed to it.

Clinical findings
Primary BKV infection is usually subclinical, most common in early childhood, persists in renal epithelium and may become reactivated, causing severe tubulointerstitial nephritis, and cystitis in BM transplant recipients or in immunocompromised patients—e.g., those with hyper-IgM immunodeficiency syndrome; BKV may cause encephalitis.
 
Diagnosis
Serology—IgM, IgG antibodies; PCR; T2-weighted MRI.

BK virus

Infectious disease A small human polyomavirus which, like the JC virus, can transform infected cells in culture; 1º BKV infection is usually subclinical, is most common in early childhood, persists in renal epithelium and may be reactivated, causing severe tubulointerstitial nephritis, and cystitis in BM transplant recipients, or in the immunocompromised Pts–eg, those with hyper-IgM immunodeficiency syndrome; BKV may cause encephalitis Diagnosis Serology–IgM, IgG antibodies; PCR, T₂-weighted MRI. See Polyomavirus. Cf JC virus.