Opportunistic Posttransplantation Virus Infections in Renal Transplant Recipients

Background. Opportunistic virus infection is one of the most common complications in renal transplant (RT) recipients. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and BK virus (BKV) are important pathogens and each of these infections affects the other. In contrast, there is only limited information on JC virus (JCV) infection and its relation to CMV infection in RT recipients. This prospective study investigated the rates of JCV and CMV infections and their risk factors and correlations. Methods. We studied 52 RT recipients. JCV and CMV were detected using nested qualitative polymerase chain reaction assays of urine. The clinical characteristics of JCV and CMV infection were compared and risk factors analyzed with the use of binary logistic regression. Results. JCV and CMV were detected in 40.4% and 34.6% of the RT recipients, respectively. Cyclosporine (CsA) was a risk factor for both JCV and CMV infection (odds ratio [OR] 7.187; P = .002; OR 4.182; P = .021); CMV infection was a risk factor for JCV infection (OR 3.900; P = .039). Conclusions. JCV and CMV infections are common in RT recipients. CsA is a risk factor for both JCV and CMV infection. JCV infection is related to CMV infection.