A prospective study of renal transplant recipients reveals an absence of primary JC polyomavirus infections.
Saundh BK, Baker R, et al.Journal of Clinical Virology 2016; 77: 101-105.
Aims
To examine the involvement of JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) in causing infection and disease in renal transplant recipients (RTRs).
Interventions
Donor serum samples were obtained from participants pre- and post-transplantation to determine serostatus for both JCPyV and BK polyomavirus (BKPyV).
Participants
112 RTRs studied to at least 3 months follow-up were included from the previously reported randomised controlled trial that compared two steroid sparing regimens post renal transplantation*.
Outcomes
The primary outcome measured was detection of JC viruria or viraemia. Other outcomes measured were time to detection, BKPyV infection and IgG antibody status.
Follow-up
12 months
CET Conclusions
This report details a sub-study of a recent RCT, and in itself is not a controlled trial. The report outlines rates of JC Virus prevalence and infection in renal transplant donors and recipients (n=112) 13.3% of renal transplant recipients had urine positive for JCV, and <1% had viraemia. There were no cases of JCV associated allograft nephropathy or other associated disease. In contrast there were 37 cases of BKV infection in the same population. Interestingly there were no dual cases of JCV and BKV, which the authors took as a sign that early JCV infection may confer protection against BKV.
Data analysis
Modified intention-to-treat analysis
Quality notes
Previously assessed as *Welberry Smith, et al. Alemtuzumab Induction in Renal Transplantation Permits Safe Steroid Avoidance with Tacrolimus Monotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Transplantation. 2013;96(12):1082-1088.
Trial registration
None