Immunopathology of nephropathies associated with malaria

Abstract

Immune complexes play an important role in the pathogenesis of malaria-associated nephropathies. Two main types of lesion are demonstrable: (a) acute (transient-reversible) lesions typical of falciparum infections in man, with mild clinical symptoms developing a week or two after infection. Renal biopsies at that time show deposits of immunoglobulins, complement, and sometimes antigen. The lesions respond to antimalarials. (b) Chronic (progressive) lesions characteristic of quartan infections in man, developing slowly into a chronic stage with persistent proteinuria and gradually deteriorating renal function and hypertension. Renal biopsies at the onset of the disease show deposits of immunoglobulins, complement, and P. malariae antigens in glomerular capillary walls. Antimalarial therapy has no effect. Recent immunochemical findings confirm that these lesions are of the immune-complex type and are associated with malaria infection. However, several questions remain to be solved.