- PSGN appears to be caused by glomerular immune complex disease induced by specific nephritogenic strains of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. The resulting glomerular immune complex disease triggers complement activation and inflammation.
- There are two leading candidates for the putative streptococcal antigen(s) responsible for PSGN: Nephritis-associated plasmin receptor (NAPlr) and Streptococcal pyogenic exotoxin B (SPE B).
- Histologically, a diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis with prominent endocapillary proliferation and numerous neutrophils.The severity of involvement varies and usually correlates with the clinical findings. Patients who are asymptomatic or have mild disease may have biopsies that show little glomerular involvement.
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