Varicella-zoster virus-related glomerulonephritis and encephalitis: case report and literature review / 中华肾脏病杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To introduce a case of varicella.zoster virus(VZV)-related glomerulonephritis and encephalitis. Methods The clinical data and renal pathology were analyzed.Associated literatures were reviewed. Results A 15 years old male patient presented nephritic syndrome,nephrotic syndrome and renal dysfunction with reduced serum complement C3 level from the 5th day after he suffered from varicella.The pathological diagnosis of his kidney tissue was endocapillary proliferative glomerulonephritis with podocyte proliferation and severe renal tubular injury by light microscopy.Immunofluorescent and electron microscopic examinations showed "full-house"staining and granular electron-dense deposits in multiple sites.respectively. Furthermore.virus-like particles or/and inclusions could also be seen by electron microscopy and Mann staining light microscopy.Positive varicella-zoster virus (VZV) specific lgM antibody was detected by serum virological test.VZV antigen and RNA transcript were found in glomerular and tubular cells by immunohistochemical staining and in situ hybridization of renal tissues,respectively. The patient had epileptic episodes for many times in his disease course and his brain MRI and electroencephalogram findings accorded with viml encephalitis with secondary epilepsy.So,the diagnosis of VZV-related glomerulonephritis and encephalitis was established. Conclusion This is the first report of VZV-related glomerulonephritis and encephalitis confirmed by serum virology and tissue virology.