Post-vaccine glomerulonephritis in an infant with hereditary C2 complement deficiency: case study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nephrology
• Immunology
• Genetics

Background:

• Immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis (ICGN) is a kidney inflammation.
• Complement component 2 (C2) deficiency is a rare genetic disorder affecting immune response.
• Vaccination can sometimes trigger immune-related adverse events.

Observation:

• A 3.5-month-old infant presented with nephritic syndrome post-vaccination.
• The infant had compound heterozygous mutations in the C2 complement component gene.
• Clinical and laboratory findings indicated ICGN.

Findings:

• This is the first reported case of post-vaccine ICGN in an infant with C2 deficiency.
• The patient showed a positive response to methylprednisolone treatment.
• The findings suggest a potential interaction between C2 deficiency and vaccine-induced immune responses.

Implications:

• Highlights a potential risk in infants with C2 deficiency following vaccination.
• Suggests C2 deficiency as a possible predisposing factor for vaccine-related glomerulonephritis.
• Underscores the importance of considering genetic complement deficiencies in unexplained nephritic syndromes.