Sustained Trichodysplasia Spinulosa Polyomavirus Viremia Illustrating a Primary Disseminated Infection in a Kidney Transplant Recipient

Novel human polyomaviruses (HPyV) have been recently identified in solid organ transplant recipients. Trichodysplasia spinulosa (TS) is a rare disease associated with immunosuppression and induced by a polyomavirus (TSPyV). We report here a case of primary and disseminated TSPyV infection after kidney transplantation with extensive skin lesions, sustained viremia, and high viral loads in urine specimens, anal, nasal and throat swabs, assessed via specific real-time PCR for TSPyV during a follow-up period of 32 months after transplantation. The detection of TSPyV with a high viral load in respiratory and anal swab samples is compatible with viral replication and thus may suggest potential respiratory and oro-fecal routes of transmission.

Automated summary

This case report describes a patient with primary and disseminated TSPyV infection after kidney transplantation, presenting with extensive skin lesions and high viral loads. The findings suggest potential respiratory and oro-fecal routes of TSPyV transmission.