Which infectious disease is linked with nephrotic syndrome?

Which infectious disease is linked with nephrotic syndrome?

• A. Hepatitis C
• B. Tuberculosis
• C. Malaria
• D. Hepatitis B

Answer: (D)

Infection-related nephrotic syndrome is often driven by immune complex–mediated glomerular disease. Hepatitis B virus is a classic example: circulating HBV antigens form immune complexes with antibodies, which deposit in the glomerular basement membrane and activate complement. This immune complex–mediated process commonly produces membranous nephropathy, characterized by heavy proteinuria and edema, along with hypoalbuminemia and hyperlipidemia. Pathology shows thickened glomerular basement membrane with subepithelial immune deposits. While other infections can affect the kidney, Hepatitis B has the strongest, well-established link to nephrotic-range proteinuria via membranous nephropathy.

Infection-related nephrotic syndrome is often driven by immune complex–mediated glomerular disease. Hepatitis B virus is a classic example: circulating HBV antigens form immune complexes with antibodies, which deposit in the glomerular basement membrane and activate complement. This immune complex–mediated process commonly produces membranous nephropathy, characterized by heavy proteinuria and edema, along with hypoalbuminemia and hyperlipidemia. Pathology shows thickened glomerular basement membrane with subepithelial immune deposits. While other infections can affect the kidney, Hepatitis B has the strongest, well-established link to nephrotic-range proteinuria via membranous nephropathy.