Measles and acute glomerulonephritis.

A 5-year-old boy had transient glomerulonephritis following measles infection. Serologic studies at the early onset of the disease showed decrease of serum C3, C4, and Clq levels with normal serum properdin factor B. Renal glomerular histology revealed a mild acute proliferative glomerulonephritis. Measles virus antigen, C3, C4, and immunoglobulin G (IgG) were demonstrated in the glomerulus, suggesting an immune complex deposition. Ultrastructurally, subepithelial, intramembranous, and subendothelial electron-dense deposits were noted, suggesting a postinfectious immune complex glomerulonephritis. It is suggested that the measles virus antibody complexes are deposited in the glomerulus and activate the classic pathway of complement, leading to a self-limited glomerulonephritis.