Infection-Associated Glomerulonephritis

Adv Kidney Dis Health. 2024 May;31(3):246-254. doi: 10.1053/j.akdh.2024.01.001.

Abstract

The nephritic syndrome has been associated with a wide variety of infections, spanning many organisms and myriad clinical presentations. Infection-associated glomerulonephritis is challenging to diagnose given the many confounding factors linking kidney injury to infection; however, urine microscopy can assist in identifying abnormal cellular elements suggestive of glomerulonephritis. Kidney biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosing the underlying pathologic lesion. Treatment of infection-associated glomerulonephritis centers around aggressive and complete treatment of the underlying infectious driver. It is often hard to know exactly when immunosuppression may be required in addition to treating the infection.

Keywords: Infection-associated ANCA vasculitis; Infection-associated IgA; Infection-associated glomerulonephritis; Infection-related glomerulonephritis; Infective endocarditis-associated glomerulonephritis; Para-infectious glomerulonephritis; Poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy
  • Glomerulonephritis* / diagnosis
  • Glomerulonephritis* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents