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Epidemic of acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis in aboriginal communities
Insights
An epidemic of acute glomerulonephritis in Aboriginal communities was linked to a streptococcal infection. Measuring antideoxyribonuclease B and antistreptolysin O aids in diagnosing this infection.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Nephrology
Background:
- An epidemic of acute glomerulonephritis affected hundreds of Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory in 1980.
- The nephritis followed a streptococcal infection, with a nephritogenic strain identified in affected children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause and clinical presentation of the acute glomerulonephritis epidemic.
- To evaluate diagnostic markers for antecedent streptococcal infections.
Main Methods:
- Clinical and laboratory studies of affected children and community members.
- Isolation of streptococcal strains.
- Serological testing, including antideoxyribonuclease B and antistreptolysin O titres.
Main Results:
- The nephritis was preceded by streptococcal infections.
- A nephritogenic streptococcal strain was isolated.
- The majority of cases presented with mild clinical courses and no serious complications.
- Serological results highlighted the utility of antideoxyribonuclease B alongside antistreptolysin O.
Conclusions:
- Streptococcal infections were the cause of the acute glomerulonephritis epidemic.
- Antideoxyribonuclease B levels are important for diagnosing antecedent streptococcal infections, complementing antistreptolysin O titres.
Abstract:
During 1980, an epidemic of acute glomerulonephritis occurred in a number of Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory, affecting several hundred people. Clinical and laboratory studies of children admitted to the paediatric wards of Darwin Hospital, and of a larger number of individuals in the communities, have established that the nephritis was preceded by a streptococcal infection, and a recognised nephritogenic streptococcal strain was isolated from a number of children. The clinical course of the disease was mild in the majority of those affected and none had had serious complications. Serological results indicate the importance of measuring antideoxyribonuclease B levels as well as antistreptolysin O titres when seeking evidence of antecedent streptococcal infection.