Survey of prevalence of BKV and JCV infections in pediatric heart transplant recipients.

Background: The Administration of anti-rejection medications in solid organ recipients may increase the risk of acquiring multiple infections. This study aimed to diagnose and monitor BKV and JCV viral infections in pediatric heart transplant recipients.

Methods: A cohort of 28 children, all under 18 years old, undergoing heart transplants was studied. Plasma and urine samples were collected, followed by DNA extraction and molecular testing to quantify viral loads. Demographic and clinical information were recorded and analyzed.

Results: The BK and JC viruria frequency among the cohort was 41.7 % and 12.5 %, respectively. No instances of BKV and JCV viremia were detected. The BKV DNA viral loads ranged from 3.1 × 102 to 11.8 × 106 copies/mL, while the JC viruria viral load ranged from 1.1 × 102 to 13.6 × 106 copies/mL. BKV-JCV co-infection was identified in 12.5 % of patients.

Conclusions: Considering a high prevalence of BKV viruria in the recruited patients, clinicians should be well acquainted with the steps involved in the diagnosis and management of polyomaviral infections.