MedicineInfectious DiseasesNephrologyMedical MicrobiologyRenal PathologyRenal PathophysiologyGlomerular DiseasesGlomerular PathophysiologyHydrocephalus ManagementRenal DiseaseRenal InflammationUrinary Tract InfectionsCerebrospinal Fluid Shunt SystemsHydrocephalus Shunt ManagementInfectious NephritisShunt ComplicationsShunt Infection
We report two cases of glomerulonephritis associated with infection of cerebrospinal fluid shunts inserted for the treatment of hydrocephalus and comment an another 70 cases reported in the world literature. Although infection of CSF shunts is common, the development of glomerulonephritis is rare. Non-pathogenic bacteria are the commonest infecting organisms. Antibiotics are generally ineffective in eradicating the infection and the glomerulonephritis, but removal of the shunt is usually, though not always, associated with complete resolution of the renal disease.