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Glomerulonephritis associated with acute pneumococcal pneumonia: a case report
Joshua Phillips1, April Palmer, Radhakrishna Baliga
1Department of Internal Medicine/Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Campus Box 1033-R, Jackson, MS 39216-4504, USA. jfphillips@medicine.umsmed.edu
Pediatric Nephrology (Berlin, Germany)
|July 13, 2005
Summary
Streptococcus pneumoniae can cause post-infectious glomerulonephritis, a kidney inflammation typically linked to Streptococcus pyogenes. This case highlights the need to consider pneumococcal infections in children with acute glomerulonephritis and respiratory symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Post-infectious glomerulonephritis (PIGN) is a common kidney disease in children, often following Streptococcus pyogenes infections.
- While Streptococcus pneumoniae is a known pathogen, its role in triggering PIGN is less frequently reported.
Observation:
- A 6-year-old female presented with pneumococcal pneumonia confirmed by blood culture.
- The patient also developed acute glomerulonephritis concurrently with the pneumonia.
Findings:
- The patient's acute renal failure resolved within days, with complete recovery of renal function by 8 weeks post-discharge.
- This case demonstrates that Streptococcus pneumoniae can induce PIGN, similar to Streptococcus pyogenes.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider Streptococcus pneumoniae as a potential cause of PIGN in children presenting with respiratory illness and acute glomerulonephritis.
- Further research is warranted to investigate specific nephritogenic strains of pneumococcus, such as pneumococcus group 7.