[Glomerulonephritis of infectious origin]

Glomerulonephritis may complicate infections due to various microorganisms. These microorganisms are bacterial, fungal, viral or parasitic. Considerable clinical and experimental evidence has accumulated to indicate that glomerular injury is due to in situ immune complex deposition. In France, renal lesions are more often due to focal skin infection and sinus or visceral abscesses, with or without endocarditis, rather than to pharyngeal streptococcal infection. Staphylococcal infections are a frequent cause, especially in intravenous illicit drug users. Recovery requires suppression of the infective agent. However, in severe forms, after initial acute glomerular damage the evolution may be characterized by the development of chronic glomerulonephritis.