Vertical transmission of BK virus in pregnancy: A narrative review

Background: Primary infection with the BK virus occurs in the tonsils and is transmitted to other tissues and organs, especially the kidneys, by infecting monocytes. Infection with this virus is rarely associated with clinical disease but reactivating the virus in people who have a suppressed immune system can cause kidney or bladder damage. Due to the importance of activating the BK virus in status of immunodeficiency and providing such conditions during pregnancy, the purpose of this study was to summarize the literature on the role of BK virus and its transmission in congenital infection. The results of serological, molecular and studies that have simultaneously performed serological and molecular studies in the field of vertical transmission of BK virus were discussed. Studies of the BK virus on the prevalence and risk of recurrence during pregnancy have yielded conflicting results, with some studies suggesting that the virus is involved in the vertical transmission of the virus due to the presence of the virus in the tissues of the aborted fetus. The results of a number of studies have been opposed to vertical transmission of the virus, and the prevalence and vertical transmission during pregnancy have not yet been well established. So, more research is needed to get a better understanding about BK virus vertical transmission