What Infections are Associated with IgA Nephropathy?

Infections Linked to IgA Nephropathy - Triggers & Complications

IgA nephropathy, also known as Berger’s disease, is a kidney disorder marked by deposits of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the glomeruli. Various infections, particularly respiratory and gastrointestinal, are commonly associated with this condition, often triggering immune responses that contribute to kidney inflammation and disease progression.

Symptoms of IgA Nephropathy

It is a chronic kidney disease that occurs due to the deposition or buildup of protein immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the kidneys. IgA deposition stops the water-filtering process from the blood to the bladder. It leads to protein and blood in the urine, including swelling in the hands or feet. Symptoms might include:

• Dark-coloured or blackish urine
• Blood in urine
• Foamy urination due to protein leakage
• Flank pain
• Legs, ankles, and abdominal swelling
• Fatigue and weakness
• High blood pressure
   

The following symptoms appear if the disease causes kidney failure:

• Muscle cramp
• Vomiting and an upset stomach
• Itchiness and rashes on the skin
• Loss of appetite
• Metallic taste 
   

Infections Associated with IgA Nephropathy

Several viral, parasitic and bacterial infections can trigger inflammation in the kidneys, damage them and lead to IgA nephropathy. Some infections associated with IgA nephropathy include:

• Hepatitis B Virus Infection: Chronic hepatitis B or C infections may worsen IgA nephropathy progression but are not definitive causes. Screening for these infections is recommended in high-risk patients. 
• Upper Respiratory Infection: Most commonly, upper respiratory infections increase the risk of kidney damage. IgA protein deposits in the glomeruli of the kidney, which stop functional response and cause inflammation and damage. Sore throats and colds are common respiratory infectious conditions of IgAN.
• Tonsillitis Infections: IgA nephropathy is linked to oral bacterial infection, specifically Streptococcus tonsillar infection. Mucosal infection affects the gastrointestinal tract and the upper respiratory tract. Moreover, Streptococcus pyogenes causes post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis and can lead to kidney failure.    
• Gastro Infection: IgA nephropathy is associated with a trivial mucosal infection that causes abnormal balancing of commensals in the gut. Gut microbiota maintains homeostasis, and infections disrupt the immune system, triggering gastrointestinal problems. This infection exacerbates food sensitivity, irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.

Other viruses, such as hantavirus, cause renal failure, and HIV and COVID-19 have a link to IgA nephropathy.
 

Health Complications of IgA Nephropathy

IgA nephropathy leads to some serious health complications, including:

• Coeliac disease
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol level
• Lupus
• Cardiovascular diseases
   

Treatment of IgA Nephropathy

Treatment helps in the slow growth of IgA nephropathy and prevents further health complications. Doctors prefer medication to:

• Maintain blood pressure level with angiotensin receptor blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and medicines.
• Regulate the immune system and reduce kidney inflammation with steroids like cyclophosphamide or prednisone, Gengraf.
• Remove excess fluid from the patient's body with a diuretic that increases urine production and secretes fluid.   
• Reduce cholesterol levels with medicines like statins to decrease the risk of kidney damage and heart attacks.
   

IgA nephropathy is a chronic autoimmune disease that leads to kidney failure. Blood in urine, flank pain, foamy urine and swelling in ankles and legs are common symptoms of IgAN.

Viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections that cause upper respiratory infections, tonsillitis, and hepatitis B and C contribute to the development of this chronic disease.