Glomerulonephritis in renal allografts associated with hepatitis C infection: a possible relationship with transplant glomerulopathy in two cases.

Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been identified as a cause of type I membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN). HCV infection is common in patients with end-stage renal disease and may persist in renal allograft recipients. MPGN in the allograft may therefore be a manifestation of persistent HCV infection. We report two cases of glomerulopathy with features of both MPGN and transplant glomerulopathy in renal transplant patients chronically infected with HCV. We discuss the course of interferon alfa therapy in both patients as well as a possible relationship of HCV infection with transplant glomerulopathy.