Background: Para- and post-infectious glomerulonephritis may be caused by various microbiological agents. We present a case of parvovirus B19 infection causing a post-infectious glomerulonephritis.
Case presentation: A 30-year-old woman was admitted to hospital after four weeks of fever, flank pain and general oedema. Laboratory measurements showed elevated creatinine and alanine aminotransferase, whereas haemoglobin, albumin and thrombocyte levels were low. The urine analyses were positive for both haematuria and proteinuria. Ultrasound and CT scan of the thorax and abdomen showed multiple increased lymphoid nodes, bilateral pleural effusion, periportal oedema and ascites. C3 was low, and C4 normal. Additional immunological laboratory tests were negative. Viral serology was positive for parvovirus B19 immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G, confirming glomerulonephritis triggered by infection. The patient’s symptoms resolved without any specific treatment, and a few months later creatinine had normalised.
Interpretation: This case report illustrates the importance of microbiological laboratory work-up to further investigate acute kidney failure of unknown cause.