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Published on: April 23, 2012
Acute glomerulonephritis triggered by parvovirus B19
Background:
Para- and post-infectious glomerulonephritis may be caused by various microbiological agents. We present a case of parvovirus B19 infection causing a post-infectious glomerulonephritis.
Case Presentation:
A 30-year-old woman was admitted to hospital after four weeks of fever, flank pain and general oedema. Laboratory measurements showed elevated creatinine and alanine aminotransferase, whereas haemoglobin, albumin and thrombocyte levels were low. The urine analyses were positive for both haematuria and proteinuria. Ultrasound and CT scan of the thorax and abdomen showed multiple increased lymphoid nodes, bilateral pleural effusion, periportal oedema and ascites. C3 was low, and C4 normal. Additional immunological laboratory tests were negative. Viral serology was positive for parvovirus B19 immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G, confirming glomerulonephritis triggered by infection. The patient’s symptoms resolved without any specific treatment, and a few months later creatinine had normalised.
Interpretation:
This case report illustrates the importance of microbiological laboratory work-up to further investigate acute kidney failure of unknown cause.
Insights
Parvovirus B19 infection can cause post-infectious glomerulonephritis, a kidney inflammation. Prompt microbiological work-up is crucial for diagnosing acute kidney injury of unknown origin.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Post-infectious glomerulonephritis (PIGN) is a kidney disease that can follow various infections.
- Microbiological agents are recognized causes of PIGN, necessitating thorough diagnostic investigations.
Observation:
- A 30-year-old woman presented with fever, flank pain, edema, and laboratory findings indicative of acute kidney injury.
- Clinical and imaging revealed systemic inflammation, including pleural effusion and ascites.
- Serological tests confirmed acute parvovirus B19 infection.
Findings:
- The patient exhibited hallmark signs of glomerulonephritis, including hematuria and proteinuria.
- Low complement C3 levels suggested immune complex involvement.
- Parvovirus B19 immunoglobulin M and G positivity confirmed the viral trigger for PIGN.
Implications:
- This case highlights parvovirus B19 as a potential cause of PIGN.
- Emphasizes the importance of microbiological testing in unexplained acute kidney injury.
- Resolving symptoms without specific treatment underscores the self-limiting nature of some B19-associated PIGN cases.
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