Favorable outcome of crescentic IgA nephropathy associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection

Dominant or codominant IgA deposits in the setting of proliferative glomerulonephritis usually indicate IgA nephropathy, Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis, or, sometimes, lupus nephritis. However, a new type of poststaphylococcal glomerulonephritis with predominantly IgA deposition has been increasingly reported. Herein, we report an unusual case of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis following methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection. Renal biopsy showed crescentic IgA nephropathy. The renal function improved after eradication of infection and administration of immunosuppressive therapy. Although the limited data support the use of immunosuppressive agents in this setting, one must proceed with caution. We suggest that immunosuppressive therapy should only be an option if the underlying infection has definitely been well controlled while the renal disease still progresses.