Filariasis-Associated Secondary Membranous Nephropathy: A Rare Presentation

Abstract

Parasitic infections like filariasis are uncommon causes of secondary membranous nephropathy (MN) which requires serological tests to detect circulating Wuchereria bancrofti antigens for its diagnosis or the identification of microfilariae in the capillary lumen on kidney biopsy. The immunochromatographic card tests is simple, non invasive and has high sensitivity and specificity. We report a case of 30 year old lady who presented to us with nephrotic syndrome which on kidney biopsy showed features of membranous nephropathy with negative staining for Anti PLA2R, THSD7A and exostosin. A thorough workup was done to find out any secondary cause of MN where she was found positive with filiarial antibody test. Hence, a diagnosis of secondary membranous pattern nephropathy was considered for which she was treated with diethylcarbamazine (DEC) and other supportive medications which on follow up showed marked resolution of proteinuria.