Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 5, 2026

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
A Rare Clinical Entity: Staphylococcus-Related Glomerulonephritis
Numune Aliyeva1, Erol Demir, Yasar Caliskan
1From From the Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
Abstract:
Staphylococcus aureus is a rare cause of postinfectious glomerulonephritis, and Staphylococcus-related glo-merulonephritis primarily occurs in middle-aged or elderly patients. Patients with Staphylococcus-related glomerulonephritis also present with hematuria, proteinuria of varying degrees, rising serum creatinine levels, and/or edema. The severity of renal insufficiency is proportional to the degree of proliferation and crescent formation. Here, we present a diabetic patient admitted with a history of 1 week of left elbow pain. Laboratory results revealed that erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 110 mm/hour, serum creatinine level was 1 mg/dL, C-reactive protein level was 150 mg/L, and magnetic resonance imaging showed signal changes in favor of osteomyelitis at the olecranon level, with diffuse edematous appearance in the elbow skin tissue and increased intra-articular effusion. After diagnosis of osteomyelitis, ampicillin/sulbactam and teicoplanin were administered. After day 7 of admission, the patient developed acute kidney injury requiring hemodialysis under antibiotic treatment. Kidney biopsy was performed to determine the underlying cause, which showed Staphylococcus-related glomerulonephritis. Recovery of renal func-tions was observed after antibiotic and supportive treatment.
Insights
Staphylococcus aureus can cause a rare kidney disease called glomerulonephritis, even in younger patients. This case highlights a diabetic patient who developed acute kidney injury due to Staphylococcus-related glomerulonephritis following osteomyelitis.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
- Diabetology
Background:
- Staphylococcus-related glomerulonephritis is uncommon, typically affecting older individuals.
- It presents with hematuria, proteinuria, elevated creatinine, and edema, with severity linked to kidney damage.
- This report focuses on a unique case in a diabetic patient.
Observation:
- A diabetic patient presented with osteomyelitis of the elbow.
- Treatment with antibiotics was initiated, but the patient developed acute kidney injury requiring hemodialysis.
- Kidney biopsy confirmed Staphylococcus-related glomerulonephritis.
Findings:
- The patient's acute kidney injury was attributed to Staphylococcus-related glomerulonephritis.
- Renal function improved with continued antibiotic therapy and supportive care.
- This case demonstrates a younger patient affected by this condition.
Implications:
- Highlights Staphylococcus aureus as a potential cause of glomerulonephritis in diverse patient populations.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering glomerulonephritis in patients with S. aureus infections and acute kidney injury.
- Suggests that prompt diagnosis and treatment can lead to recovery of renal function.
Related Concept Videos
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction
Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Renal Corpuscle
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous...
Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology
Endocarditis I: Introduction

