Interaction between pathogens and acute glomerulonephritis in childhood: A case report and sonographic appearance

Abstract

Stefania Lasorella, Alberto Verrotti, Maria Laura Iezzi

More than one trigger are known as responsible for acute glomerulonephritis in the pediatric age. The most common infective trigger is beta-hemolytic Streptococcus group A (GAS) but various infective agents, bacterial and viral, are capable of triggering the inflammatory process. We report a case of 5-year-old child who developed an acute glomerulonephritis related to a GAS and Mycoplasma pneumonia infection and Cytomegalovirus urine reactivation with ultrasound picture suggestive of important kidney involvement. The case support the hypothesis of a relationship between multiple infectious disease and immune-mediated and/or autoimmune mechanism whereas underling mechanism is still unclear and highlights the possible use of ultrasound as a tool to assess the severity of renal involvement.