Transplant failure in relation to BK viremia status among kidney transplant recipients in Jordan

Rabaa Y.  Athamneh; Reema Bani  Saeed; Omaymah  Abulannaz; Rawan  Abudalo; Muna  Oqal

doi:10.18502/ijm.v17i4.19256

Rabaa Y. Athamneh Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Zarqa University, Zarqa, Jordan
Reema Bani Saeed Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Zarqa University, Zarqa, Jordan
Omaymah Abulannaz Department of Pharmacology, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
Rawan Abudalo Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
Muna Oqal Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijm.v17i4.19256

Keywords: BK virus; Polyomavirus infections; Kidney transplantation; Immunosuppression; Prevention

Abstract

Background and Objectives: BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) poses a significant threat to kidney transplant (KT) recipients due to immunosuppression, leading to BK-associated nephropathy (BKVN) and reduced transplant survival. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of BKPyV among kidney transplant recipients in Jordan and to evaluate the association between BKPyV activity and kidney transplant outcomes.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at the Jordanian Royal Medical Services Hos- pital (JRMS) from 2021 to 2024. Blood samples (n=157) from kidney transplant recipients were collected, and quantitative real-time PCR was performed to detect BKPyV DNA.

Results: The prevalence of BKPyV infection among kidney transplant recipients was 40.8% (n=64). Transplant failure oc- curred in 36% of cases (n=57), with BKPyV-DNA viremia observed in 74% of those with transplant failure (n=42). The prev- alence of infection was significantly higher in patients under 18 years of age (81%, p<0.001) and in males (72%, p<0.001). BKPyV infection increased the odds of transplant failure tenfold.

Conclusion: In Jordan, the prevalence of BKPyV among kidney transplant recipients is high, particularly in males and younger patients. BKPyV significantly increases the risk of kidney transplant failure. Other studies are needed to further elucidate the impact of BKPyV on kidney transplant rejection and complications.