Epstein-Barr virus-associated nephrotic syndrome

Abstract

Acute infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) causes fever, fatigue and pharyngitis. Renal involvement in systemic EBV infections typically manifests as acute tubular necrosis or tubulointerstitial nephritis. Rarely, EBV infection causes nephrotic syndrome due to minimal change disease. A 22-year-old male with infectious mononucleosis (IM) presented with nephrotic syndrome. Renal biopsy showed minimal change disease with diffuse foot process effacement of the podocytes. Treatment with methylprednisone led to rapid and complete clinical remission. Minimal change nephropathy is a very rare manifestation of EBV infection and should be considered in patients with IM and proteinuria. © 2012 The Author 2012.