[Virus associated glomerulonephritis]

Internist (Berl). 2003 Sep;44(9):1098-106. doi: 10.1007/s00108-003-1024-3.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Virus associated glomerulonephritis is considered to be a para- or post-infectious autoimmune phenomena. The disease is mediated by immune complexes which usually contain the viral antigen. Virus associated glomerulonephritis due to chronic viral infection with hepatitis B or C virus, or with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) shows a typical histomorphological picture for each virus. Hepatitis B virus usually leads to a membranous glomerulonephritis, while hepatitis C virus is associated with a membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis due to cryoglobulins, and HIV is associated with a focal segmental sclerosing glomerulonephritis. Knowledge of the relationship between the primary viral infection and secondary glomerulonephritis is important, as a primary immunosuppressive therapy might lead to more severe viral disease. On the other hand, a primary reduction in the viral load due to antiviral therapy with immunostimulants or inhibitors of viral replication could lead to an amelioration of the secondary glomerulonephritis.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Glomerulonephritis / drug therapy
  • Glomerulonephritis / etiology
  • Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative / drug therapy*
  • Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative / etiology*
  • Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative / immunology
  • Glomerulonephritis, Membranous / drug therapy*
  • Glomerulonephritis, Membranous / etiology*
  • Hepatitis B / complications*
  • Hepatitis B / immunology
  • Hepatitis C / complications*
  • Hepatitis C / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Immunosuppressive Agents