Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus-aureus-associated glomerulonephritis on the decline: decreased incidence since the 1990s

Clin Exp Nephrol. 2011 Feb;15(1):184-6. doi: 10.1007/s10157-010-0369-x. Epub 2010 Nov 13.

Abstract

We believe that bacterial-infection-associated glomerulonephritis (GN), so-called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-GN, was exterminated in Japan. The control of bacterial infection is the most important part of infection-associated GN. In 1990s Japan, hospital-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA) caused MRSA-GN outbreaks. On the other hand, MRSA-GN incidence has been quite limited since 2000. This epidemiological transition suggests that antibacterial therapies and health programs for HA-MRSA infection in Japan were effective against MRSA-GN. Moreover, it appears that staphylococcal superantigens act in the pathogenesis of GN. The change of superantigen production might have influenced to the disappearance of MRSA-GN. If HA-MRSA-producing superantigen outbreaks occur in developing countries, our experience in Japan can provide guiding principles for preventing and eradicating GN.

Publication types

  • Letter
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Glomerulonephritis / epidemiology*
  • Glomerulonephritis / etiology*
  • Glomerulonephritis / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Japan / epidemiology
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / pathogenicity*
  • Staphylococcal Infections / complications*
  • Staphylococcal Infections / epidemiology*