Related Experiment Videos
Focal-segmental glomerulosclerosis associated with herpes simplex viral encephalitis
Child Nephrology and Urology
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 infection in an infant caused nephrotic syndrome and encephalitis. This case is the first report of human herpes glomerulopathy confirmed by histological examination.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Virology
- Pediatric Pathology
Background:
- Nephrotic syndrome in infants can have various etiologies.
- Viral infections are increasingly recognized as potential triggers for renal pathology.
Observation:
- A 5-month-old boy presented with nephrotic syndrome and severe viral encephalitis.
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 and anti-HSV antibodies were isolated from body fluids.
- Renal biopsy revealed focal-segmental glomerulosclerosis and cytomegaly.
Findings:
- Immunohistology showed mesangial and segmental depositions of IgM and C3, with HSV antigen detected in glomeruli.
- Electron microscopy revealed osmiophilic mesangial deposits, segmental sclerosis, and podocyte foot process fusion.
- Viral particles were observed within the nucleoplasm of a mesangial cell.
Implications:
- This case represents the first histologically confirmed instance of human herpes glomerulopathy.
- Highlights the potential for HSV-1 to cause direct renal injury and nephrotic syndrome in infants.
- Suggests a need for considering viral etiologies in unexplained pediatric nephrotic syndrome.