A case of glomerulonephritis caused by brucellosis

Abstract

Brucellosis is the most common zoonosis in the world. It can affect several organs or systems, of which the genitourinary is the second most common after the musculoskeletal. Renal involvement in brucellosis takes the form of IgA nephropathy, interstitial nephritis, pyelonephritis, mixed cryoglobulinemia and kidney failure. While the agent can be isolated in urine, renal involvement is rare (<1%). We describe a case of a 58-year-old man presenting with oedema and proteinuria. Brucellosis is considered an aetiological factor in patients presenting with glomerulonephritis in endemic regions. Brucellosis serology may assist with the early diagnosis of this rare complication.