is post streptococcal glomerulonephritis contagious

How infectious is poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis? You cannot 'catch' PSGN

as it is caused by the body's own infection-fighting (immune) system. But, streptococcal infections (either from the skin or throat) can spread from person to person.

Full Answer

What do you need to know about post streptococcal glomerulonephritis?

Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis: All You Need to Know 1 PSGN Is a Rare Complication from a Prior Group A Strep Infection. 2 You Cannot Catch PSGN from Someone Else. 3 Warning Signs Usually Point to Kidney Issues. 4 Children Most Often Affected. 5 Doctors Look at How Well the Kidneys Are Working. 6 ... (more items)

What is the global incidence of post streptococcal glomerulonephritis (apsgn)?

Initially described in the convalescence of scarlet fever, the incidence of acute post streptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN) has decreased worldwide, particularly in developed countries where it is now rare and is limited to adult patients who have debilitating conditions.

Can you get PSGN from strep throat?

PSGN Is a Rare Complication from a Prior Group A Strep Infection. PSGN is a kidney disease that can develop after infections caused by bacteria called group A Streptococcus (group A strep). These infections include throat and skin infections like strep throat, scarlet fever, and impetigo.

Is strep throat contagious?

Is Strep Throat Contagious? Strep throat is highly contagious and can spread quickly from person to person through close contact. 2 Individuals with strep throat can be contagious for a few days before they start showing symptoms. This means that someone who has not gotten sick yet can spread the disease.

How long does streptococcal glomerulonephritis last?

How long could poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis last? Most children make a full recovery within a few weeks. The blood you can see in the wee is usually gone in 2 weeks. But, urine tests may still show blood in your child's wee for up to 2 years.

Can post streptococcal glomerulonephritis be cured?

There is no specific treatment for this disorder. Treatment is focused on relieving symptoms. Antibiotics, such as penicillin, will likely be used to destroy any streptococcal bacteria that remain in the body. Blood pressure medicines and diuretic drugs may be needed to control swelling and high blood pressure.

Is post streptococcal glomerulonephritis an infection?

PSGN is not a group A strep infection of the kidneys. Instead PSGN results from the body's immune system fighting off strep throat, scarlet fever, or impetigo. After the start of strep throat or scarlet fever symptoms, it usually takes about 10 days for PSGN to develop.

What causes post streptococcal glomerulonephritis?

It is caused by an infection with a type of streptococcus bacteria. The infection does not occur in the kidneys, but in a different part of the body, such as the skin or throat. The disorder may develop 1 to 2 weeks after an untreated throat infection, or 3 to 4 weeks after a skin infection.

What foods should be avoided with glomerulonephritis?

In the diet for patients with glomerulonephritis, the following foods should be limited and avoided: Processed cheese High-sodium meats (jambon, bacon, hot dogs...) packaged foods Pickled vegetables (pickles, pickles, etc.)

What drugs can cause glomerulonephritis?

Drugs Associated with NephrotoxicityDrug class/drug(s)Pathophysiologic mechanism of renal injuryAllopurinol (Zyloprim)Acute interstitial nephritisGold therapyGlomerulonephritisHaloperidol (Haldol)RhabdomyolysisPamidronate (Aredia)Glomerulonephritis52 more rows•Sep 15, 2008

How does streptococcus bacteria enter the body?

These bacteria are spread by direct contact with discharges from the nose and throat of infected people or by contact with infected wounds or sores on the skin. The risk of spreading the infection is highest when a person is ill, such as when people have "strep throat" or an infected wound.

What causes strep B bacteria in urine?

Despite the high prevalence of GBS in the urethra, especially in individuals presenting with Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD), it is a rare cause of UTI [4,5]. GBS is mostly associated with postpartum infection that results from the vertical transmission of bacteria due to maternal cervicovaginal colonization.

How can a sore throat cause glomerulonephritis?

Glomerulonephritis may develop a week or two after recovery from a strep throat infection or, rarely, a skin infection caused by a streptococcal bacteria (impetigo). Inflammation occurs when antibodies to the bacteria build up in the glomeruli.

Can antibiotics prevent glomerulonephritis?

Prevention. There is insufficient evidence to determine if antimicrobial therapy can prevent PSGN. Thus, it is important to prevent the primary group A streptococcal skin or pharyngeal infection. However, treating PSGN patients with antibiotics can stop a nephritogenic strain from circulating in a household.

What is the most common cause of glomerulonephritis?

What causes acute glomerulonephritis? The acute disease may be caused by infections such as strep throat. It may also be caused by other illnesses, including lupus, Goodpasture's syndrome, Wegener's disease, and polyarteritis nodosa. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are important to prevent kidney failure.

What are the signs and symptoms of glomerulonephritis?

What are the symptoms of glomerulonephritis?Fatigue.High blood pressure.Swelling of the face, hands, feet, and belly.Blood and protein in the urine (hematuria and proteinuria)Decreased urine output.

Is acute glomerulonephritis curable?

The acute form may go away by itself. Sometimes you may need medication or even temporary treatment with an artificial kidney machine to remove extra fluid and control high blood pressure and kidney failure.

Can antibiotics prevent glomerulonephritis?

Prevention. There is insufficient evidence to determine if antimicrobial therapy can prevent PSGN. Thus, it is important to prevent the primary group A streptococcal skin or pharyngeal infection. However, treating PSGN patients with antibiotics can stop a nephritogenic strain from circulating in a household.

What is the diet for glomerulonephritis?

eat a healthy diet with less protein, potassium, phosphorus, and salt. get plenty of exercise (at least 1 hour a day) drink less fluids. take calcium supplements.

Can strep cause kidney damage?

Although symptoms of strep throat usually gets better within 24 – 48 hours, and treatment usually about 1 week with the use of antibiotics, untreated strep can lead to serious complications such as a rare kidney complication called post streptococcal glomerulonephritis.

How to prevent group A strep?

Good Hygiene Helps Prevent Group A Strep Infections. The best way to keep from getting or spreading group A strep is to wash your hands often. This is especially important after coughing or sneezing and before preparing foods or eating.

How long does it take for a strep throat to show up in a kidney?

Instead PSGN results from the body’s immune system fighting off the group A strep throat or skin infection. It usually takes about 10 days after the start of symptoms of strep throat or scarlet fever for PSGN to develop. It takes about 3 weeks after the start of symptoms ...

What is gloe-mer-u-low-nuh-FRY-tis?

Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (gloe-mer-u-low-nuh-FRY-tis) — or PSGN — is a rare kidney disease that can develop after group A strep infections. The main way to prevent PSGN is to prevent group A strep infections.

What antibiotics are given for strep throat?

People with PSGN who may still have group A strep in their throat are often provided antibiotics, preferably penicillin.

What can a doctor do to check for strep infection?

Doctors can test urine samples to look for protein and blood. Doctors can also do a blood test to see how well the kidneys are working. They can also determine if a patient recently had a group A strep infection.

What does it mean when you pee with PSGN?

Dark, reddish-brown urine. Swelling (edema), especially in the face, around the eyes, and in the hands and feet. Decreased need to pee or decreased amount of urine. Feeling tired due to low iron levels in the blood (fatigue due to mild anemia) In addition, someone with PSGN usually has: Protein in the urine.

How to treat PSGN?

Treatment of PSGN focuses on managing symptoms as needed: Decreasing swelling (edema) by limiting salt and water intake or by prescribing a medication that increases the flow of urine (diuretic) Managing high blood pressure (hypertension) through blood pressure medication.

What is the cause of glomerulonephritis?

Other causes of post-infectious glomerulonephritis include bacterial infections including endocarditis, enterocolitis, pneumonia, and intraventricular shunt infections, viral (hepatitis B and C infections, human immunodeficiency virus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein Barr virus, parvovirus B19), fungal (coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis), and parasitic infections (malaria, leishmania, toxoplasmosis, and schistosomiasis). [5]

Why is the prevalence of streptococci high in impoverished countries?

Poor hygiene, overcrowding, and low socioeconomic status are important risk factors for streptococci outbreaks, and this explains the higher incidence of PSGN in impoverished countries. Genetic factors are expected to predispose to the condition since almost 40% of patients with PSGN gave a positive family history. There is no specific gene found to cause PSGN. [5]

What is the name of the disease that affects the glomeruli and small blood vessels of the kidneys?

Poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) is characterized by rapid deterioration of kidney functions due to an inflammatory response (type III hypersensitivity reaction) following streptococcal infection. This condition results from specific strains of group A beta-hemolytic streptococci called nephrogenic streptococci. The disease affects the glomeruli and the small blood vessels of the kidneys. PSGN most frequently presents in children 1 to 2 weeks after a sore throat, or 6 weeks after a skin infection (impetigo). [1]

Why is PSGN so common in developing countries?

Higher incidence of PSGN in developing countries- due to increased skin infections (pyoderma). Though the incidence in developed countries has gone down, it is still the most common cause of glomerulonephritis (GN) in children in the united states.

Where has PSGN been dropped?

Epidemiology. Over the past three decades, PSGN incidence has significantly dropped in developed countries; such as the United States, UK, Central Europe, and Japan. The reason for this progress is the use of antibiotic prophylaxis and the improvement of hygienic states.

How old is the most likely to get a syphilis?

The disease most frequently affects children between the age of 3 and 12 (with the peak incidence between 5 to 6 years), and seniors greater than 60 years old. Pathophysiology. The disease is immunological; representing a type III hypersensitivity reaction.

What is the role of immune complexes in the glomerulus?

The presence of immune complexes leads to the activation of the alternate complement pathway causing infiltration of the leukocytes, and proliferation of the mesangial cells in the glomerulus thus impairing the capillary perfusion and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Reduction in GFR can lead to renal failure (oliguria or anuria), acid-base imbalance, electrolyte abnormalities, volume overload, edema, and hypertension.

How high is the mortality rate for APSGN?

The short-term prognosis of APSGN in children is excellent; but in adults, and particularly in debilitated adults, the mortality rate can be as high as 30%, as a consequence of a cardiovascular complication ( Melby, Musick, Luger, & Khanna, 1987 ).

What was the cause of scarlet fever?

The observation that the disease appeared in the convalescent period of scarlet fever led Clemens von Pirquet ( von Pirquet, 1911) to postulate that post-scarlatinal nephritis was caused by the development of harmful antibodies (as opposed to the beneficial antibodies in vaccination) and coined the term “ allergy ” (altered reactivity) to define this pathogenic modality. This landmark paper opened the field of immune complex-mediated diseases. The demonstration of the streptococcal etiology of scarlet fever ( Dochez & Sherman, 1924) and the recognition that acute rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis, both complications of streptococcal infections, have epidemiological and biological differences and rarely, if ever, occur in the same patient; this suggested the existence of rheumatogenic and nephritogenic strains of the bacterium to Seegal and Earle ( Seegal & Earle, 1941 ), and prompted the search for nephritogenic antigens (reviewed in ( Rodríguez-Iturbe & Batsford, 2007 )).

What is APSGN in medical terms?

Acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN) is the prototype of post-infectious glomerulonephritis and is associated with a previous skin or throat infection by group A streptococcus ( Streptococcus pyogenes), or occasionally groups C or G streptococcus. According to Becker and Murphy ( Becker & Murphy, 1968 ), the development of dark and scanty urine was a feared complication of the epidemics of scarlet fever in the fourteenth century, and clinical descriptions of the “dropsy that follows scarlet fever” have appeared in medical literature since at least 1812 ( Wells, 1812 ). APSGN was probably the cause of death of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1791 ( Zegers, Weigl, & Steptoe, 2009 ).

What is APSGN in renal disease?

APSGN is an immune complex-mediated disease. Several mechanisms may participate in the pathogenesis of renal damage ( Table 1 ). Nephritogenic immune complexes are formed in circulation and deposited in the glomeruli; alternately, the antigen and antibody arrive separately and meet in or outside the glomerular basement membrane, causing in situ immune complex disease. Immune cell recruitment, production of chemical mediators and cytokines, and local activation of the complement and coagulation cascades drive an inflammatory response that is localized in the glomeruli. Glomerular deposition of circulating immune complexes depends on the antigen load, the antigen:antibody ratio, and the size of the immune complexes ( Dixon, Feldman, & Vazquez, 1961; Germuth, Senterfit, & Dreesman, 1972 ). In situ formation of immune complexes is favored by cationic antigens that have a charge-dependent facilitated penetration into the polyanionic glomerular basement membrane, and tend to occur in conditions of antigen excess ( Vogt, et al., 1990 ).

How has the incidence of APSGN decreased?

The reduction of the incidence of APSGN is probably the result of easier and earlier access to appropriate medical care for streptococcal infections. Reports from France ( Simon, et al., 1994 ), Italy ( Coppo, Gianoglio, Porcellini, & Maringhini, 1998 ), China ( Zhang, Shen, Feld, & Stapleton, 1994 ), Chile ( Berríos, et al., 2004 ), Singapore ( Yap, et al., 1990 ), the United States ( Roy & Stapleton, 1990 ), and Venezuela ( Rodríguez-Iturbe & Musser, 2008) all indicate that APSGN is now an infrequent disease, and its rarity in affluent societies has been considered a factor for delayed diagnosis in patients who do not have gross hematuria ( Pais, Kump, & Greenbaum, 2008 ).

What is APSGN caused by?

Traditionally, APSGN was considered to be caused by an antigen present in group A streptococci. Streptococcus pyogenes of M types 1, 2, 4, and 12 were associated with epidemic nephritis resulting from upper respiratory infections and M types 47, 49 and 55 were associated with epidemic nephritis following pyoderma.

How long does it take for APSGN to show?

The classic patient with APSGN is a child (the male:female ratio is 2:1) between the ages of 2 and 18. The latent period between upper respiratory infection and nephritis is 7–10 days and 2–4 weeks in cases that follow skin infection. The typical clinical presentation is of acute nephritic syndrome (hematuria, edema, hypertension, and oliguria); in a minority of cases, APSGN may be manifested by nephrotic syndrome; and in rare cases, by a rapidly progressive (crescentic glomerulonephritis) clinical course. In a typical case of post-streptococcal nephritis, improvement is observed after 2–7 days when the urine volume increases, followed rapidly by resolution of edema and return of the blood pressure to normal levels. Asymptomatic disease may be manifested by microscopic hematuria and a fall in serum complement levels, and is 4–5 times more common than clinical disease in non-epidemic conditions ( Rodríguez-Iturbe, Katiyar, & Coello, 1981; Dodge, Spargo, & Travis, 1967 ).

Why is post streptococcal GN not common today?

The condition is not common today because infections that can lead to the disorder are treated with antibiotics. Risk factors include:

What are the health problems that can result from glomerulonephritis?

Health problems that may result from this disorder include: Acute renal failure (rapid loss of kidneys' ability to remove waste and help balance fluids and electrolytes in the body) Chronic glomerulonephritis. Chronic kidney disease. Heart failure or pulmonary edema (fluid buildup in the lungs) End-stage renal disease.

How to prevent poststreptococcal GN?

Treating known streptococcal infections may help prevent poststreptococcal GN. Also, practicing good hygiene such as washing hands often prevents the spread of the infection.

What age does poststreptococcal GN occur?

It may occur in people of any age, but it most often occurs in children ages 6 through 10. Although skin and throat infections are common in children, poststreptococcal GN is rarely a complication of these infections. Poststreptococcal GN causes the tiny blood vessels in the filtering units of the kidneys (glomeruli) to become inflamed. This makes the kidneys less able to filter the urine.

How long does poststreptococcal GN last?

The infection does not occur in the kidneys, but in a different part of the body, such as the skin or throat. The disorder may develop 1 to 2 weeks after an untreated throat infection, or 3 to 4 weeks after a skin infection.

What is the best treatment for a strep throat infection?

Treatment is focused on relieving symptoms. Antibiotics, such as penicillin, will likely be used to destroy any streptococcal bacteria that remain in the body. Blood pressure medicines and diuretic drugs may be needed to control swelling and high blood pressure.

How long does it take for GN to go away?

Poststreptococcal GN usually goes away by itself after several weeks to months. In small number of adults, it may get worse and lead to long-term (chronic) kidney failure. Sometimes, it can progress to end-stage kidney disease, which requires dialysis and a kidney transplant.

Why is the Streptococcus bacterium unique?

The Streptococcus bacterium is unique because it survives in the body by putting molecules on its cell wall that are almost identical to the molecules found on the skin, heart, joints, and brain tissues. By doing this, the bacteria hides from the immune system.

What is poststreptococcal disorder?

Poststreptococcal disorder is a group of autoimmune disorders that occur after an infection with the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A Streptococcus (GAS). An autoimmune disorder occurs when your immune system mistakes your healthy cells as foreign and begins to attack them. In poststreptococcal disorders, the antibodies ...

How long does it take for a rheumatic fever to develop?

Acute rheumatic fever usually develops about two to four weeks after a strep infection . It can lead to inflammation in the joints, heart, skin, and central nervous system. Most outbreaks happen in areas where people are living in overcrowded conditions and don’t have easy access to antibiotics.

Can you cure post-streptococcal?

These disorders more commonly affect children. It may come on suddenly. There is no cure for poststreptococcal disorder, but treatments are available to help manage the symptoms and most people recover fully.

Can a post-streptococcal infection cause a sore throat?

The initial infection might only cause a sore throat, fever, and rash, but poststreptococcal disorders can lead to many different problems. The exact disorder depends on which part of the body is attacked by your immune system. The disorder can affect the kidneys, heart, skin, brain, or joints. Examples of poststreptococcal disorders include ...

Can kids get strep throat?

It’s important to remember that many children have tics or display signs of OCD, and many kids also get strep throat at some point. Post streptococcal disorders are not common.

What are the possible complications of poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis?

Most children make a complete recovery. However, for a small number of children the disease will continue and for an even smaller number of children the disease may get worse. The main things your doctor will look out for are:

What is poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis?

PSGN is a kidney disease that occurs 10 to 14 days after a throat or skin infection caused by Streptococcus (a type of bacteria).

How long does it take for glomerulonephritis to develop?

Key points to remember about poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis 1 poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) is a kidney disease that develops 10 to 14 days after a skin or throat infection 2 it is not caused by the bacteria itself, but by the body's infection fighting (immune) system 3 the main symptoms are blood in your child's wee (urine) and swollen ankles or puffy eyes 4 your child will need their blood pressure, weight and wee checked regularly - they will also need a blood test to check kidney function 5 most children (95 out of 100) recover fully with no long-term complications 6 it is very important to take your child to any follow-up appointments to make sure they make a full recovery

How to treat PSGN in children?

Your child will need a restricted salt intake and they may need to restrict the amount of fluid they take. They may need medicine to bring their blood pressure down, or medicine to encourage the kidneys to get rid of salt and water. The doctor will usually give your child antibiotics to treat any streptococcus bacteria left in their body.

Do you have to have blood pressure checked after leaving hospital?

Your child will continue to have their blood pressure, weight and wee checked once they've left hospital. Once this followup has finished, it is important that you return to your family doctor if you notice any of the signs and symptoms recurring. If at any stage you have concerns about your child's health don't hesitate to seek medical advice.

Can you catch a PSGN?

How infectious is poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis? You cannot 'catch' PSGN as it is caused by the body's own infection fighting (immune) system. However, streptococcal infections (either from the skin or throat) can spread from person to person.

Is Strep Throat Contagious?

Strep throat is highly contagious and can spread quickly from person to person through close contact. 2 Individuals with strep throat can be contagious for a few days before they start showing symptoms. This means that someone who has not gotten sick yet can spread the disease.

Causes

Strep throat is caused by a group of bacteria known as Streptococus pyogenes. 2 It is typically transmitted from person to person through saliva or secretions that contain the bacteria. People can also pass strep throat through coughing, sneezing, and touching people or contaminated objects (doorknobs, door handles, utensils, etc.).

Risk Factors

Some factors can increase your risk of contracting strep throat. They include: 2

Treatment

Antibiotics are the most commonly used medications to treat bacterial infections by preventing them from growing or killing them. 4 To treat strep throat, your healthcare provider may prescribe you penicillin or amoxicillin.

When to See a Doctor

While strep throat is not usually dangerous, it can sometimes cause medical emergencies. However, this is rare. Seek medical care immediately if you have strep throat and experience the following signs and symptoms: 3

Prevention

People can get strep throat more than once. 4 Having strep throat does not protect someone from getting it again in the future. While there is no vaccine to prevent strep throat, there are things people can do to protect themselves and others. These include: 2

Summary

Strep throat is an infection in the throat and tonsils caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. It is highly infectious and can be transmitted from person to person through close contact or by touching infected surfaces. It also produces painful symptoms such as sore throat, red and swollen tonsils, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.

Etiology

See more on cdc.gov

Clinical Features

Incubation Period

Risk Factors

Diagnosis and Testing

Treatment

Prognosis and Complications

Prevention

Epidemiology