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The number of polyomaviruses causing infections in humans is as high as thirteen. The BK and JC polyomaviruses and the diseases caused by them are best known. For the present, the Merkel cell polyomavirus is the only human polyomavirus considered to be a causative agent of cancer. Other disease associations of polyomaviruses are also subject to active research. All polyomavirus infections are usually harmless respiratory or intestinal infections of childhood. Polyomaviruses, remain in the body for the rest of life, i.e. they persist as part of the body microbiome. Upon weakening of cell-mediated immunity they can also become reactivated and cause clinical problems.

Although the results of kidney transplantation have improved markedly, the long-term survival of renal allografts is still a major challenge. The long-term exposure of recipients to chronic renal failure and chronic immunosuppression increases the burden of infections, cardiovascular diseases, malignancies, and renal bone disease. The prevention and adequate treatment of these complications have become increasingly important. During the first months after kidney transplantation patients are followed carefully with short intervals; in stable patients the follow-up frequency is reduced later. Most important laboratory tests in the follow-up include parameters of graft function and pharmacokinetic monitoring of the immunosuppressive drugs.