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BEAT-BK: An Adaptive, Randomized Controlled Trial to Treat Polyomavirus Infections (BKPyV) in Kidney and Kidney-pancreas Transplantation Recipients (BEAT-BK) Study Protocol

BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is a common opportunistic infection in kidney transplant recipients, typically reactivating in the context of immunosuppression. Although asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, reactivation in transplant recipients can cause BKPyV-associated nephropathy (BKPyVAN), a leading cause of graft dysfunction and loss. BKPyV viremia affects approximately 10%-15% of transplant recipients, and once BKPyVAN is established, the risk of graft failure can exceed 50%.

Citation:
Gately R, Dymock M, Sabanayagam D, Campbell SB, et al. BEAT-BK: An Adaptive, Randomized Controlled Trial to Treat Polyomavirus Infections (BKPyV) in Kidney and Kidney-pancreas Transplantation Recipients (BEAT-BK) Study Protocol. Transplantation Direct. 2026;12(4):e1924.

Abstract:
BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is a common opportunistic infection in kidney transplant recipients, typically reactivating in the context of immunosuppression. Although asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, reactivation in transplant recipients can cause BKPyV-associated nephropathy (BKPyVAN), a leading cause of graft dysfunction and loss. BKPyV viremia affects approximately 10%-15% of transplant recipients, and once BKPyVAN is established, the risk of graft failure can exceed 50%.