2025, Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part B

author(s)
Muhammad H Al-Bayati, Israa H Saadoon, Azzawi M Hadi and Ammar L Hussein

abstract

Background: BK virus (BKV) infection remains a major post-transplant complication in renal transplant recipients, potentially contributing to graft dysfunction. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a central role in immune regulation and transplant rejection. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between BKV infection and IL-6 levels in renal transplant patients.

Methods: A case-control study was conducted involving 105 renal transplant recipients and 30 apparently healthy individuals as a control group were included in this study. Plasma samples were analyzed for BKV DNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and IL-6 concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA; USCH-SEA079Hu). The distribution of BKV infection was assessed according to demographic and clinical factors.

Results: Bk virus infection was detected in 7 out of 105 patients (6.67%). Interleukin-6 levels were highest in BKV-positive patients (2.22±1.40 pg/mL), followed by BKV-negative patients (0.79±0.61 pg/mL), and the lowest in control group (0.36±0.16 pg/mL). However, IL-6 level in all groups remained within the normal range (normal range of IL-6 is less than 7 pg/mL). possibly due to the immunosuppressive therapy administered to transplant recipients.

Conclusion: While BK virus infection occurred in a small proportion of renal transplant patients, IL-6 levels did not show inflammatory response, likely due to the immunosuppressive treatment. These findings suggest that IL-6 may not serve as a reliable biomarker for detecting BKV-associated inflammation in this patient population. Further studies with larger cohorts and longitudinal monitoring are recommended.