Abstract

OKPECHI, Ikechi; DUFFIELD, Maureen  and  SWANEPOEL, Charles. Primary glomerular diseases: variations in disease types seen in Africa and Europe. Port J Nephrol Hypert [online]. 2012, vol.26, n.1, pp.25-31. ISSN 0872-0169.

Glomerular diseases account for a significant number of patients with chronic kidney disease worldwide. IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the predominant primary glomerular disease (PGD) seen across Europe, whereas in Africa, the prevalence of IgAN is not common. The most frequently described glomerular disease in Africa is mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis (MCGN). The difference in the prevalence of PGDs seen in Africa and Europe may depend on several factors including genetic, socio-economic and demographic influences. Variations in exposure to infections (hygiene hypothesis) and patterns of Th1 and Th2 responses may also contribute significantly to observed differences.

Keywords : Glomerulonephritis in Africa; Glomerulonephritis in Europe; Primary glomerulonephritis.

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