BK Virus in Allogeneic and Autologous Bone Marrow Transplantation: Review Article
The BK virus is a member of the polyomavirus family. When the immune system is compromised, as in patients undergoing chemotherapy after hematopoietic stem cell and solid organ transplantation, the virus is reactivated, leading to haemorrhagic cystitis. While the BK virus is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in patients after allogeneic stem cell transplantation, it rarely occurs after autologous stem cell transplantation. The early diagnosis and treatment of viral cystitis may prevent significant morbidity and mortality associated with haemorrhagic cystitis caused by the BK virus. It is not entirely clear how the BK virus affects prognosis in patients undergoing allogeneic and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.