Leptospirosis and Goodpasture's Syndrome: Is there an etiological link?

摘要

Renal and pulmonary dysfunctions are common in both leptospirosis and Goodpasture's Syndrome. While leptospires are the etiological agents of leptospirosis, they may also be etiological agents for Goodpasture's Syndrome.Goodpasture's Syndrome is an aggressive autoimmune disease causing glomerulonephritis with or without pulmonary haemorrhage and is rapidly fatal in the absence of medical intervention. While the exact etiology of Goodpasture's Syndrome remains an enigmait has been postulated that exposure to hydrocarbons and smoking may contribute to the diseased state. Underpinning the development of Goodpasture's Syndrome is the production of anti-glomerular basement membrane antibodies targeted to Type 4 collagen. These immunoglobulins have a high affinity for the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) of the kidney and alveolar basement membrane of the lung and can remain attached for extended periods [1].