Overview
The BK virus (BKV) is a type of human polyomavirus that affects healthy people, usually asymptomatically. However, it can be dangerous for immunocompromised individuals due to its potential to cause severe infections, such as kidney or lung diseases. BKV can be infectious for several weeks and it is transmitted through contact with respiratory secretions or urine. Therefore, it is necessary to take preventive measures to reduce the spread of this virus. BKV testing is important to diagnose and monitor any possible infection in people with weakened immune systems or those receiving organ or stem cell transplants. Furthermore, it is used to detect potential risk of BKV-associated cancers, including bladder and kidney carcinomas.
Research published in this journal
No peer-reviewed research on this exact topic has been published in Current Viruses and Treatment Methodologies yet. Browse the journal →