Bk or Pk virus.

[Rmatthew]

Hi, last week I went into hospital with severe vomiting,, and I was severely dehydrated because of this. When all my blood results came back, it showed I had the bk or pk virus (I can’t remember which one they said it was), and it was a virus that people get but can easily fight off with working immune systems, and they said I was on cellcept at too high a dose, so they’ve taken me off that and lowered my prednisolone. I’m back to clinic on Tuesday and hopefully my creatinine has came back down.

Has anyone heard or had this before?

Thanks for answers in advance

[Transplant2018]

It's BK and many of us have had it - although fortunately without being ill. You can find several earlier posts on BK with good information.

[Rmatthew in reply to Transplant2018]

Ah than you for that

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador in reply to Rmatthew]

The NKF also has a post on "BK Virus: What Transplant Patients Need to Know.".

Most of us had this virus as kids and it was probably little more than a cold. It can be in our system and we aren't even aware of it. Then when you have a transplant and your immune system is suppressed with your meds the virus can become active again. I know whenever I run a temp for a few days they always test me for the BK virus.

Take care and hope all will be well now!

[Cazzy41]

I also have the Bk virus, but I have never been ill with it. My kidney is working at 23% on my last bloods. I am nearly 3 years post transplant.

[LisaSnow in reply to Cazzy41]

Do you mean your GFR is 23?

[Cazzy41 in reply to LisaSnow]

Yes hun

[LisaSnow in reply to Cazzy41]

Has your GFR been higher before?

[Cazzy41 in reply to LisaSnow]

The highest had been about 27 since the transplant x

[LisaSnow in reply to Cazzy41]

I remember now you had some complications after the surgery. I am glad your GFR has stayed stable.

[Cazzy41 in reply to LisaSnow]

Thanks hunny much appreciated and yes I did you’re absolutely correct ♥️

[Tarzan5]

Yes I have the BK virus now just a trace it’s still less then 500 parts so it’s ok there. I never got sick and never had a issue in feeling bad or sick. 1 year after transplant my labs showed my Creatinine was 2.9 and rising fast. I had to go in and get a biopsy By they time they figured it out Creatinine was at 4.0. My BK virus was at 400 million parts.They stopped giving me celcept and lowered the prograf down to 1mg twice per day. The BK damaged my transplanted kidney. My creatinine is now staying at 3.3 to 3.5. Holding for a year now. They should check for BK in your labs from day one not wait till your having problems before they do. Now I’m back on the transplant list, but as long as my damaged kidney holds up I’m not doing it till it’s gives out on me.

[DexterLab]

I had BK. Testing for it is part of my normal labs. Level went up, stopped CellCept and added Prednisone. Levels went down over 2 months. Went back to regular meds. Kidney is fine, thankfully. Good luck!

[Drdetroit]

I'm almost 9 yrs post transplant. After 6&1/2 yrs my creatnine started bouncing around. My center did a biopsy & found I had the BK virus. I did not have it at transplant but my donor did. They took me off Cellcept completely & reduced my Prograf. After a couple months , the virus was gone. Before that, my creatnine was 1.6. After it went to 2.5 & has held steady. I test labs & BK monthly now. Good luck.

[AndrewT]

Dear Matthew,

There are, in actual fact, a considerable Number of 'conditions' that we are Prone too. Some have Specific Names, others don't- for example Fungal Infections. (Yes you might have Athletes Foot, 'Jock' ba--s and so on, but basically it's all caused by an 'Overgrowth' of fungus.) I get a, large number, of Skin Lesions...basically 'warts' under the skin, only one was a Carcinoma- and that was quickly removed!

Not the most Salubrious of subjects, I know, but..... IF you 'Wet'- or 'Poo'- yourself, you are much more Prone to irritation and 'Contact Dermatitis' (basically Nappy Rash). Don't be Embarrassed, many people buy Sudocrem- or similar- NOT necessarily for the baby.

Clearly if you start to actually 'Feel Unwell' again, as opposed to sore/ itchy, then get yourself to the Doctor..... if only for some Anti- Sickness Medication!

Take care of yourself Matthew.

AndrewT

[Alfredmynewkidney]

Hi. I had my transplant 10 months ago. I get checked regularly for the BK virus. I actually have CMV which is another virus most have had without realizing it. My donor was positive and I'm negative do we are treating it. Just one of many things we need to keep a close eye on. One ofthr many reasons for frequent labs and Dr visits. Sounds like you are getting the right treatment!

[Rmatthew]

Hi everyone, just left my clinic appointment, praying that results are better and my creatinine and egfr are better tomorrow, will take a few days for the bk results to come back 💚