BK Polyomavirus in Respiratory Specimens of Patients with Respiratory Disease

Background and Aims: The role of BK and JC polyomaviruses (BKV and JCV) in the causation of respiratory disease and the natural route of transmission has not well been established. The aim of study was to determine the prevalence of BK and JC viruses in 280 respiratory samples and evaluate their contribution to respiratory disease. Materials and Methods: PCR was used to screen specimens for BKV and JCV and either single or multiplex RT-PCR, or real time PCR was used to determine co-infection with other viruses. Positive results were confirmed with sequencing. Results: Of the 280 samples analysed, eight (2.85 %) were positive for BKV. BKV positive samples were from immunocompetent (n=5; 1.78%) and immunocompromised patients (n=3; 1.07%). The positive samples in the immunocompetent group were patients age range 8 days to 29 years. In the immunocompromised group, BKV positive patients age range 30 years to 69 years. Co-infections were found in 3 (37.5%) of the BKV positive samples. No sample was found to be positive for JCV. Conclusion: Detection of BKV DNA in respiratory specimens supports previous studies suggesting the respiratory tract may be the primary site for acquisition or infection by BK virus at an early age and also reflect the reactivation of latent or persistent infection with the virus. Respiratory tract may not be considered as a site for JC viral persistent infection.