Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis associated with an Epstein–Barr virus infection

Type 1 membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) is an immune complex-mediated disorder that has been associated with certain viral infections including hepatitis C, hepatitis B, hepatitis G, HIV and Hantavirus. We describe a patient with type 1 MPGN in native kidneys and nephrotic syndrome in whom there was strong evidence that a primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection played a causative role. This patient was treated with an angiotensin 2-receptor blocker and the nephrotic syndrome resolved within 6 months from presentation. Our case report suggests that MPGN presenting with nephrotic syndrome may have a relatively benign course when it is associated with an acute EBV infection.