Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis complicatingPropionibacterium acnesinfection.
BACKGROUND
Propionibacterium acnes(P. acnes) is a common microbe of the skin and mucosal surfaces rarely considered a true pathogen. However, it has been reported to cause serious infections. Subsequent ongoing low-grade antigenaemia may, in turn, lead to an immune-mediated glomerulonephritis with various renal histologies including that of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN).


METHODS
Here, we describe two cases ofP. acnesinfection-induced MPGN and their treatment.


RESULTS
Both patients were successfully treated by the eradication of the infection. One patient also received immunosuppressive medication prior to the correct diagnosis.


CONCLUSIONS
A vigorous exclusion of infection is warranted in MPGN type I or immune-complex-mediated MPGN and may sometimes yield a diagnosis of secondary MPGN.
Department of Nephrology , Helsinki University Central Hospital , Helsinki , Finland.
Anja
A
Cornér
Department of Nephrology , Helsinki University Central Hospital , Helsinki , Finland.
Kati
K
Kaartinen
Department of Nephrology , Helsinki University Central Hospital , Helsinki , Finland.
Sari
S
Aaltonen
Transplantation Laboratory, HUSLAB, Department of Pathology , Helsinki University Central Hospital , Helsinki , Finland.
Anne
A
Räisänen-Sokolowski
Transplantation Laboratory, HUSLAB, Department of Pathology , Helsinki University Central Hospital , Helsinki , Finland.
Heikki
H
Helin
Department of Nephrology , Helsinki University Central Hospital , Helsinki , Finland.
Eero
E
Honkanen
Propionibacterium acnes; glomerulonephritis; membranoproliferative