BK

 

EPIDEMIOLOGY:

Asymptomatic infection in more than 80% of healthy individuals and in the immunocompromised.

INCUBATION:

?

DIAGNOSIS:

The virus is found in urine of asymptomatic individuals. BK manifests itself in many ways in the immunocompromised host.

SYMPTOMATOLOGY AND OUTCOME:

Varries widely. In many indivduals there are no symptoms. In the immuno compromise BK has been associated with haemorrhagic cystitis, urinary tract infections, renal failure and even cancer. It has been reported to cause infection in renal transplant patients.

PATHOLOGY AND PATHOGENESIS:

Recent studies suggest that BKV TAg can inhibit cellular response to DNA damage and induce cell proliferation, making it a cancer co-factor.

PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT:

Not much you can do. It is an opportunistic virus. Stay healthy.