Immune Complex Glomerulonephritis in Leprosy

Abstract

Twenty patients with lepromatous or borderline leprosy selected at random were investigated for evidence of immune complex glomerulonephritis. Light, immuno fi uorescence and electron microscopy findings suggested that glomerulonephritis in leprosy results from the accumulation of immune complexes in glomeruli. Fluorescence and electron microscopy findings may be attributed to the fact that the deposits are less soluble immune complexes. A comparison was made between glomerulonephritis in the BSA-rabbit system and leprosy.