Anti‐glomerular basement membrane antibody‐mediated glomerulonephritis combined with non‐fulminant acute viral hepatitis A

Abstract

ABSTRACTAnti‐glomerular basement membrane antibody‐mediated glomerulonephritis (anti‐GBM Ab‐mediated GN) is a rare autoimmune disease, characterized by crescentic glomeruli and linear GBM staining with immunoglobulin G (IgG). Exposure to viruses can trigger the formation of autoantibodies to the GBM. We report the first case of anti‐GBM Ab‐mediated GN associated with hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection. Although the pathogenesis of HAV‐related anti‐GBM Ab‐mediated GN has not been documented, we suggest that the immune complexes produced by HAV infection might be deposited in the glomerular capillary walls and lead to immune complex‐mediated glomerular damage, resulting in exposure of the sequestered GBM antigens and the formation of anti‐GBM antibodies. Under immunosuppressive and intravenous cyclophosphamide therapy, his renal function has been improving without development of pulmonary symptoms.