Renal transplantation is widely regarded as the best treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Despite advancements in treatment, the demand for kidney transplants continues to surpass the available supply. In 2018, around 785,000 people in the United States were undergoing treatment for ESRD, yet only 22,003 kidney transplants were performed. This gap is expected to widen by 2030. Additionally, in the US, there are 2.4 million people living with hepatitis C virus (HCV), with over 50,000 new diagnoses made in 2018. 

"Working on our Donor HCV manuscript was a challenging yet rewarding process. The number of patients awaiting kidney transplantation in the United States is steadily increasing each year, highlighting the necessity for an expanded, yet safe, donor pool. Historically, there has been a hesitancy to transplant HCV-positive kidneys into HCV-negative recipients due to concerns over transmission risks and the potential for rejection. Our study helps shed light on these concerns in the era of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy.  With our promising findings, we hope our study can act as a steppingstone for the continued refinement and consideration of an expanded donor pool criteria that includes HCV positive kidney's. I would like to thank Dr. Kueht and Dr. Engebretsen for their unwavering support and dedication in helping me navigate the complexities of transplant research. This study would not have been accomplished without their guidance and expertise, " says Mr. Johnson.