Polyoma virus in renal transplant recipients.

Infection and rejection have been the most critical complications following renal transplantation. Rejection rates have decreased recently with the advent of new and more powerful immunosuppressive agents. However, infection continues to be a serious complication. The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and the development of antiviral agents have provided effective tools to combat the infectious processes traditionally seen in renal transplant recipients. Recently, a new viral illness has been identified in this population. Polyoma virus infection has been identified as the cause of allograft dysfunction and graft loss. This paper reviews the current prevalence and outcome of renal transplant patients infected with polyoma virus.