Bk Virus Infection

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A BK virus infection is also called a BKV infection. It is a condition that may happen as a primary (first) infection during childhood. The infection is caused by a germ called BK virus. You get it from infected foods or from breathing in fluid droplets from someone who has the infection. It can be passed on by a mother to her baby during birth. It can also be spread through the semen (fluid containing sperm) or from blood transfusions. The virus may resolve on its own, or get in the blood and spread to other body organs. It may stay in your kidneys, brain, and other tissues without causing any harmful effects.
  
  
• BKV in your organs and tissues may become active if your immune system becomes weak. Your immune system may get weak when you take antirejection medicine after a kidney or bone marrow transplant. You may have burning pain, or trouble passing urine when the virus attacks your kidneys. A kidney biopsy, blood, and urine tests are done to learn more about your condition. If you are taking antirejection medicines, they may need to be changed or decreased. Pain medicines, bladder irrigation, hyperhydration, and surgery may be needed. Treating your BKV infection may improve your symptoms and stop further damage to your kidneys.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

Pain medicines used in a BKV infection may cause an allergic response. Decreasing the amounts of your antirejection medicine may cause your body to reject your new kidney. You may need to return to dialysis and have a new transplant. Other treatments, such as bladder irrigation and surgery may cause bleeding and damage to your organs. If your BKV infection is left untreated, it may cause your symptoms to get worse. Your kidneys and other organs may be stop working and you may die. Ask your caregiver if you have questions or concerns about your condition, treatment, or care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent:

A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

Medicines:

• Pain medicine: Caregivers may give you medicine to take away or decrease your pain.
  
  
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe to ask for your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling a caregiver when you want to get out of bed or if you need help.
  
  

Tests:

• Blood tests: You may need blood taken to give caregivers information about how your body is working. The blood may be taken from your hand, arm, or IV.
  
  
• Kidney biopsy: A kidney biopsy is when a very small piece of your kidney is taken out and sent to a lab for tests. For this procedure, you will need to lay face-down and hold very still. You may be given medicine to make the area numb (lose feeling). Your caregiver will put a needle into your back and through to your kidney. The needle may have to be put in two or more times. After the needle is taken out, a bandage will be put to cover the area.
  
  
• Urine sample: For this test you need to urinate into a small container. You will be given instructions on how to clean your genital area before you urinate. Do not touch the inside of the cup. Follow instructions on where to place the cup of urine when you are done.

Treatment options:

• Bladder irrigation: Your caregiver may need to put a catheter (tube) into your bladder. This is done to rinse your bladder and help you pass urine.
  
  
• Hyperhydration: You may need to drink more liquids than usual to help flush (wash out) your bladder. Your caregiver may also give you liquids through an IV. An IV is placed in your vein for giving medicine or liquids. This tube is capped or connected to tubing and liquid.
  
  
• Surgery: You may need surgery if the organs or tissues where your urine passes are damaged. Ask your caregiver for more information about this treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Bk Virus Infection (Inpatient Care)