Frequency of reactivation and molecular characterization of human polyomavirus BK and JC in kidney transplant recipients

Abstract

Currently is recognized the clinical importance of polyomaviruses, mainly the morbidity related to BKV infection in renal transplant recipients. The aim of this project is to study different aspects of the reactivation of polyomaviruses BK and JC in renal transplant recipients . Through the optimization and application of a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT- PCR) we will determine the frequency of reactivation of polyomavirus BK and JC in blood and urine and the role of BKV/JCV co-infection in BKV viremia. In addition, we intend to verify if the virus reactivated in the recipient was transmitted by the donor. By sequencing the BKV strains we will look for specific mutations and will determine the distribution of the different genotypes circulating in Brazil. This information will allow us to verify if there is any association between specific BKV genotypes or specific mutations and viremia. By phylogenetic analysis, we will compare the BKV strains from Brazil with strains from other areas of the world. For this purpose, pre-transplant samples of renal donors and post-transplant serial samples will be obtained from renal transplant recipients during clinical/laboratory follow-up at the Renal Transplant Unit of the HC-FMUSP. Early detection of viral replication, especially the quantification of viremia, may provide, in the future, an important tool for the management of patients at risk of developing polyomavirus nephropathy with eventual renal graft loss. (AU)