Korean J Nephrol.
1999 Nov;18(6):1017-1021.
A Case of Polyoma Virus(PV) Infection in a Renal Allograft Recipient
Abstract
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We report one case of renal PV infection after renal allograft transplantation leading to
graft dysfunction. According to prior reports, PV induced interstitial nephritis might be
a cause of graft loss. Pathologic findings show varying degrees of interstitial infiltration
and tubular degenerative changes, which resemble acute cellular rejection. Therapeutic
strategies have not yet been developed. Case ; A 23 years old male underwent renal
transplantation from his HLA haploidentical 25 year old sister. His renal function had been
good with cyclosporin, steroid and azathioprine until 9 months after transplantation, when
his serum creatinine level rose to 2.2mg/dl. The renal biopsy revealed diffuse lymphocyte
infiltration in the interstitium and feature of the tubulitis. Also, giant tubular epithelial
cells with large, hyperchromic nuclei were present. Despite steroid pulsing and OKT3, renal
function progressively de- teriorated. After 10 days of OKT3 therapy, the patient suffered
from high fever, dyspnea and general aches. A chest X-ray revealed interstitial infiltration
in both lung fields and the cytomegalovirus PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test of serum and
blood was positive. Intravenous ganciclorvir was administered and immunosuppressants were
tapered. 4 months after admission, he lost his graft function and underwent hemodialysis.
The aforementioned renal biopsy was retested immunohistochemically. Nuclear inclusions in
renal tubular epithelial cells were shown and these inclusions were reacted positively with
PV monoclonal antibodies.