High Prevalence of Antibodies to BK Virus, an SV40-related Papovavirus, in Residents of Maryland

Abstract

The prevalence of HAl antibodies to BK virus in sera of Maryland residents increased from 50% to 100% between the ages of three and 10–11 years, and then declined to 67% in the group aged 35 years or older. Examination of sera for antibodies by indirect fluorescent antibody tests and by conventional and immunofluorescence neutralization tests supported the results of HAI tests. Infection with BK virus appears to be common in early childhood.