Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis

Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis is immune-mediated inflammation of the kidney’s glomeruli that can develop after infection with certain strains of group A Streptococcus.

Glomerulus: A network of capillaries in a kidney nephron that filters blood to begin urine formation. These capillary filters are the structures inflamed in the disease.
Hematuria: The presence of blood in urine, visible to the eye or detectable by testing. Inflamed glomeruli commonly allow red blood cells to enter urine.
IgA nephropathy: A glomerular disease caused by deposits of IgA-containing immune complexes in the kidneys. Its hematuria often appears during an infection, unlike the usual delay after streptococcal infection here.
Hypertension: Persistently elevated blood pressure above healthy levels. Salt and water retention during kidney inflammation can raise blood pressure.
Immune complex: A bound cluster of an antibody and the antigen it recognizes. Antigen–antibody material can accumulate in glomeruli and contribute to inflammation.
Proteinuria: An abnormal amount of protein in urine. Glomerular injury can make the kidney filter leak protein.
C3 glomerulopathy: A group of kidney diseases driven by abnormal complement activity and C3-dominant deposits. Persistently low C3 or ongoing kidney findings can prompt consideration of this alternative.
Edema: Swelling caused by excess fluid accumulating in body tissues. Reduced filtration and sodium retention can produce facial or limb swelling.
Complement system: A group of blood proteins that amplify immune responses and help eliminate pathogens. Complement activation, especially of C3, is associated with the glomerular injury.
C3 (complement component 3): A central complement protein measured in blood to assess complement activity. Blood C3 is often low during the acute illness and typically recovers.

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