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Post-streptococcal GN   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Glomerulonephritis - post-streptococcal; Post-infectious glomerulonephritis

Definition:

Post-streptococcal GN is a disorder of the kidneys. It involves inflammation of the glomeruli after infection with certain strains of the streptococcus bacterium.

Causes and Risks

Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis is now an uncommon form of glomerulonephritis. It is the result of an infection, not of the kidneys, but of a remote site such as the skin or pharynx, with a specific type of Group A hemolytic streptococcus bacterium.

As a consequence of trapping immune complexes (formed from streptococcal antigen, antibodies, and complement) in the glomeruli of the kidneys, the glomeruli become inflamed, causing inefficient filtering and excreting function by the kidneys. Protein and blood may be present in the urine, and excess fluid commonly accumulates in the body. Hypertension characteristically is present.

The disorder is now less common because of the more common use of antibiotics for predisposing infections. It may occur in people of any age, especially children 6 to 10 years old. The disorder may develop 1 to 2 weeks after a throat infection, and 3 to 4 weeks after a skin infection. Although skin and throat infections are not uncommon in children, post infectious GN is a rare complication of these infections.

Risk factors include having a recent history of sore throat, strep throat, streptococcal skin infections (such as impetigo), and other streptococcal infections.

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