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Glomerulonephritis, pulmonary hemorrhage and anemia associated with Campylobacter jejuni infection
P I Andrews1, G Kainer, L C Yong
1Prince of Wales Children's Hospital, NSW, Australia.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Medicine
|December 1, 1989
Insights
A child developed severe kidney and lung disease after a Campylobacter jejuni infection. The bacteria's antigen was found in the kidneys, indicating a direct link between the infection and the illness.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Campylobacter jejuni is a common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis.
- Post-infectious autoimmune complications can arise from bacterial infections.
- Glomerulonephritis and pulmonary hemorrhage are serious systemic manifestations.
Observation:
- A 5-year-old girl presented with enteritis caused by Campylobacter jejuni.
- Following the infection, she developed symptoms of glomerulonephritis, pulmonary hemorrhage, and anemia.
- Renal biopsy confirmed immune-complex mediated, crescentic glomerulonephritis.
Findings:
- Campylobacter jejuni antigen was detected within the glomeruli of the affected kidney.
- The presence of bacterial antigen suggests a direct role of Campylobacter jejuni in the pathogenesis.
- Immune complex deposition in the glomeruli points to an autoimmune response triggered by the infection.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential causal link between Campylobacter jejuni infection and severe renal and pulmonary disease.
- Understanding this association may lead to earlier diagnosis and targeted treatments for similar post-infectious complications.
- Further research into the immunopathogenesis of Campylobacter jejuni-associated glomerulonephritis is warranted.
Abstract:
A 5-year-old girl suffered Campylobacter jejuni enteritis. Over the ensuing weeks she developed glomerulonephritis, pulmonary hemorrhage and anemia. Renal biopsy revealed immune-complex mediated, crescentic glomerulonephritis. Campylobacter jejuni antigen was identified in the glomeruli suggesting a causal role of Campylobacter jejuni in the disease process.