Acute Epstein-Barr virus infection-associated collapsing glomerulopathy

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Virology
• Pathology

Background:

• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, or infectious mononucleosis, is common but can lead to various complications.
• Renal involvement in EBV infection is documented, though typically presents as acute kidney injury or glomerulonephritis.
• Collapsing glomerulopathy is a severe form of kidney disease characterized by glomerular tuft collapse.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a novel association between Epstein-Barr virus infection and collapsing glomerulopathy.
• To describe the clinical presentation, renal biopsy findings, and outcome of a patient with EBV-associated collapsing glomerulopathy.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 21-year-old woman with acute EBV infection.
• Clinical assessment including urinalysis and laboratory tests for renal function.
• Renal biopsy for histopathological examination.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with proteinuria, leukocyturia, and microscopic hematuria, progressing to nephrotic syndrome.
• Renal biopsy confirmed collapsing glomerulopathy with glomerular tuft collapse and visceral epithelial cell changes.
• Renal function transiently declined but recovered, with persistent proteinuria.

Conclusions:

• This case suggests a potential link between Epstein-Barr virus infection and the development of collapsing glomerulopathy.
• Collapsing glomerulopathy is a previously unreported renal manifestation of EBV infection.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this association and its clinical significance.