BK Viremia and Viruria Does Not Depend on the Type of Double-J Stent Used During Kidney Transplantation

Objectives: BK virus is a major cause of chronic renal allograft failure. Transplant ureteral stent use has been reported as a risk factor for BK virus infection. Recently, the use of a new type of ureteral stent (Magnetic Black Star) was reported in kidney transplant recipients. The aim of this preliminary report was to compare BK virus viremia and viruria occurrence depending on the type of double -J stent (standard versus Magnetic Black Star). Materials and Methods: We included all kidney transplants performed in our center from January to December 2022. Each case had double -J stent placement. Indwelling stents were either a 6- or 7 -Fr standard double -J stent or a 6 -Fr Magnetic Black Star double -J stent. The type of double -J stent was chosen according to the surgeon's preference. A standard BK virus screening protocol was followed during the study period, which consisted of routine polymerase chain reaction examination of plasma and urine samples during monthly follow-ups. Results: We assessed 120 patients without missing data: 92 patients received standard double -J stents and 28 patients received Magnetic Black Star stents. Patients were mostly male in the standard group (70.7%) versus the Magnetic Black Star group (42.9%) ( P = .01). ABO- and HLA-incompatible transplant rates were similar in both groups. BK viremia occurrence and BK viruria occurrence were similar between groups at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. Conclusions: This preliminary study showed no differences concerning BK virus infection depending on the type of double -J stents used during kidney transplant.