According to a study in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, a new and simple urine test can detect polyomavirus nephropathy, a new and serious complication that effects about 9 percent of kidney transplant recipients. The test could lead to better diagnosis and treatment of patients with this condition.
 
Polyomaviruses harmlessly infects many adults, although they can be a serious problem for individuals who have compromised immune systems. Currently, there is no effective treatment for polyomavirus nephropathy, so it is important to diagnose the condition as early as possible. Treatment therapy may consist of lowering doses of immunosuppressive medication and hoping for natural viral clearance.

This article originally appeared in the February 2009 issue of Kidney Transplant Today.