Eurofins Biomnis code

POPCR

Synonyms

• Polyomavirus BK - gene amplification
• Polyomavirus BK - molecular diagnosis
• [To be translated]

Specialty

Infectious

Clinical significance

The BK virus belongs to the Polyomavirus family. It is widespread in the general population, with seroprevalence approaching 100% in adults. After an asymptomatic primary infection, the BK virus remains latent in B lymphocytes, renal tubular cells and urothelial cells. Its pathogenic property is based on its ability to replicate highly in immunocompromised patients, leading to tubulointerstitial nephropathy in kidney transplant patients, haemorrhagic cystitis in haematopoietic stem cell transplant patients and, less frequently, urethral strictures in these same two populations. Screening for viruria and/or viremia is recommended in the first few months post-transplant in kidney transplant patients. The positive predictive value of BK virus viruria is low and requires a viremia or even a histological examination of a renal biopsy in order to establish a diagnosis of BK virus tubulointerstitial nephropathy. Conversely, screening is not recommended following haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Urine should only be tested for BK virus in patients presenting with haemorrhagic cystitis. Disseminated forms have been described in highly immunocompromised patients.

Preanalytics

• 1 mL :
• Whole blood or plasma (EDTA), serum, urine
•   Refrigerated

• A tube specifically for this analysis : No

Further information

The use of the S14UK transport bag is Mandatory.

Methodology

Real-time PCR

Turnaround time

4 days