Pre- and Post-Transplant Anti-BKV IgG Responses and HLA Associations in BK Virus Reactivation Among Renal Transplant Recipients
BK virus (BKV) reactivation is a significant complication in renal transplant recipients, often leading to BK viremia and BK virus-associated nephropathy (BKVAN), which can compromise graft survival. While the routine monitoring of BKV DNA in blood aids in early detection, identifying pre-transplant...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Immuno |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2673-5601/5/2/16 |
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| Summary: | BK virus (BKV) reactivation is a significant complication in renal transplant recipients, often leading to BK viremia and BK virus-associated nephropathy (BKVAN), which can compromise graft survival. While the routine monitoring of BKV DNA in blood aids in early detection, identifying pre-transplant risk factors remains a challenge. This study investigates the role of pre- and post-transplant anti-BKV IgG levels and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles in predicting BKV reactivation. The hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 38 renal transplant recipients, stratified into viremic, non-viremic, and BKVAN groups. Anti-BKV IgG levels were measured pre-transplant, at viremia onset, and post-viremia using ELISA. BKV DNA was detected via qPCR, and HLA typing was performed using sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe (SSOP) hybridization. Statistical analyses included Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox regression models. Pre-transplant anti-BKV IgG seropositivity was higher in viremic (94%) and BKVAN (100%) patients than in non-viremic recipients (66.6%). Post-transplant IgG levels increased significantly in viremic recipients (<i>p</i> < 0.05). HLA-B44 and HLA-DR15 were significantly associated with increased BKV viremia risk (<i>p</i> = 0.02 and <i>p</i> = 0.01, respectively). Pre-transplant anti-BKV IgG levels and specific HLA alleles influence BKV reactivation risk. These findings highlight the potential for integrating serological and genetic screening into pre-transplant assessments to improve risk stratification and post-transplant monitoring strategies. |
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| ISSN: | 2673-5601 |