Questions and Answers
What is streptococcal glomerulonephritis?
A type of kidney disease caused by an immune response to infection with certain strains of group A streptococcus bacteria.
What are the primary infections that can lead to streptococcal glomerulonephritis?
The immune response produces antibodies, specifically immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin ____ (IgM).
M
The immune complexes formed during the immune response are solely composed of antibodies.
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Where do the immune complexes deposit during post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis?
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What does the complement activation lead to?
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What are the two main symptoms of glomerular damage in streptococcal glomerulonephritis?
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What triggers a sustained immune response leading to further damage in the glomeruli?
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What factors contribute to the severity and outcome of streptococcal glomerulonephritis?
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Study Notes
Definition
- Streptococcal glomerulonephritis (GN) is kidney disease resulting from an immune response to group A streptococcus bacteria.
- It typically follows throat or skin infections, including strep throat or impetigo.
Infection
- Begins with skin or throat infection by group A streptococcus.
- Bacteria possess virulence factors like M protein and surface antigens to evade the immune system.
Immune Response
- The immune system identifies the infection and responds to eliminate it.
- Antibodies produced include immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) targeting streptococcal antigens.
Immune Complex Formation
- Antigen-antibody complexes, or immune complexes, form during the immune response.
- These complexes primarily consist of streptococcal antigens, antibodies (mainly IgG and IgM), and complement proteins.
Deposition in Glomeruli
- Immune complexes enter the bloodstream and may deposit in kidney glomeruli.
- Glomeruli are essential for filtering waste and excess fluid from blood.
Complement Activation and Inflammation
- Deposited immune complexes activate the complement system, a protein cascade in the immune response.
- Complement activation recruits inflammatory cells (e.g., neutrophils) and releases inflammatory mediators.
Glomerular Damage
- Inflammation in glomeruli causes damage to the glomerular basement membrane, impairing filtration.
- Results in conditions such as proteinuria (protein in urine) and hematuria (blood in urine).
Activation of Immune System
- Glomerular injury triggers a prolonged immune response, causing further damage.
- The immune system continues to produce antibodies and immune complexes, maintaining inflammation.
Conclusion
- Streptococcal GN is characterized as an immune-mediated disease driven by immune complex deposition, complement activation, and inflammation.
- The disease's mechanisms are not completely understood, and factors such as host immune response and bacterial virulence play a role in severity and outcomes.
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Description
This quiz explores the immunological aspects of Streptococcal glomerulonephritis, a kidney disease linked to group A streptococcus infections. Understand the infection process, immune response mechanisms, and how immune complexes affect kidney function. Test your knowledge on this important medical condition.
