Delayed graft function shows no significant association with BK polyomavirus DNAemia in kidney transplant recipientsDelayed Graft Function Does Not Link to BK Polyomavirus

Frontiers in Medicine Published June 23, 2026 DOI ↗ Editorial oversight: Dr. Amelia Tan, PhD · Internal Medicine & Chronic Disease

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Key Takeaway

Note that meta-analysis data shows no significant association between delayed graft function and BK polyomavirus DNAemia.

This meta-analysis synthesized data from 11 studies to evaluate the relationship between delayed graft function (DGF) and BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) DNAemia in kidney transplant recipients. The analysis specifically looked at whether DGF serves as a predictor for viral activity following transplantation.

While a single-center cohort of 1,770 patients showed an association between DGF and BKPyV DNAemia (9.0% vs 6.3%; p=0.048), the meta-analysis of 11 studies found no significant association between DGF and BKPyV DNAemia (OR 1.00; 95% CI 0.67-1.50). Other identified associations included higher rates of BKPyV DNAemia in males (8.3% vs 5.3%; p=0.017) and in patients with ABO-incompatible transplantations (10.3% vs 4.6%; p=0.004).

The authors note that while the single-center cohort suggested a link, the pooled meta-analysis data did not support a significant association between DGF and BKPyV DNAemia. Clinical practice relevance is limited by the lack of a confirmed link between DGF and viral replication in the aggregate data. These findings suggest that DGF may not be a primary independent risk factor for BKPyV infection in this population.

Researchers looked at how certain factors affect kidney transplant recipients, specifically focusing on a virus called BK polyomavirus. They analyzed data from 1,770 patients in one center and conducted a meta-analysis of 11 different studies to see if delayed graft function (DGF) led to higher levels of the virus.

The results showed that while some factors like being male or having an ABO-incompatible transplant were linked to higher viral levels, the broader analysis found no significant link between delayed graft function and the virus. This means that for many patients, a slow start for the new kidney did not predict later infection rates in this specific study.

Because this was a meta-analysis of existing data, it provides a broad look at trends rather than individual results. While the findings are helpful for understanding risk factors, they do not replace personal medical advice. Patients should talk to their transplant team about how these general trends apply to their specific care plan.

What this means for you:

A large review found no significant link between delayed graft function and later BK polyomavirus infection.

Common questions

Does a slow start for my new kidney increase the risk of BK virus?

The meta-analysis of 11 studies found no significant association between delayed graft function and subsequent BK polyomavirus DNAemia. While one single-center study showed a link, the larger pooled data did not find a consistent connection. You should discuss your specific results with your transplant team.

What other factors are linked to BK polyomavirus in transplant patients?

The study found that being male and having an ABO-incompatible transplantation were both associated with higher levels of BK polyomavirus DNAemia. These specific factors showed a measurable increase in risk compared to the general patient group.

How many patients were included in this research?

The researchers looked at a single-center cohort of 1,770 kidney transplant recipients and performed a meta-analysis involving data from 11 different studies to reach their conclusions.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis

EvidenceLevel 1

PublishedJun 2026

View Original Abstract ↓

IntroductionAn association between delayed graft function (DGF) and BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) DNAemia is not well defined.MethodsWe investigated this with 1) a retrospective review of a single-center cohort analysis, and 2) a systematic review & meta-analysis of published data. Kidney transplant recipients at a single-center between 01/01/2007-30/06/2018 were analyzed. Comparative analyses were done with logistic regression models based upon clinical risk factors. Following a systematic review of published studies, meta-analysis was performed using the DerSimonian-Laird random effects model.ResultsIn our single-center analysis, we analyzed 1,770 kidney transplant recipients with median follow up 5.3 years (interquartile range 2.7-8.7 years). BKPyVDNAemia was associated with; male sex (8.3% versus 5.3% respectively, p=0.017), ABO-incompatible transplantation (10.3% versus 4.6% respectively, p=0.004) and DGF (9.0% versus 6.3% respectively, p=0.048). In a multivariate analysis, only recipient male sex and ABO-incompatible transplantation was associated with BKPyVDNAemia. In a systematic review of published literature, we identified 11 studies and performed a meta-analysis of empirical data including our Birmingham cohort data. No significant association was observed between DGF rates and BKPyVDNAemia (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.67-1.50).DiscussionWe did not identify any association between DGF rates and subsequent BKPyVDNAemia.

Delayed graft function shows no significant association with BK polyomavirus DNAemia in kidney transplant recipientsDelayed Graft Function Does Not Link to BK Polyomavirus

Common questions

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Delayed graft function shows no significant association with BK polyomavirus DNAemia in kidney transplant recipientsDelayed Graft Function Does Not Link to BK Polyomavirus

Common questions

Study Details

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