[Acute postinfectious glomerulonephritis]

Abstract

Acute postinfectious glomerulonephritis are defined by an acute nonsuppurative inflammatory insult predominantly glomerular. Its current incidence is uncertain because of the frequency of subclinical forms. The most common infectious agent involved is beta hemolytic streptococcus group A. Acute postinfectious glomerulonephritis is uncommon in adults, and its incidence is progressively declining in developed countries. Humoral immunity plays a key role in the pathogenesis of kidney damage. Complement activation by the alternative pathway is the dominant mechanism, but a third way (lectin pathway) has been recently identified. The classic clinical presentation is sudden onset of acute nephritic syndrome after a free interval from a streptococcal infection. Treatment is essentially symptomatic and prevention is possible through improved hygiene and early treatment of infections.