Polycystic Kidney Disease: An Unrecognized Emerging Infectious Disease?
Author Information
Author(s): Marcia A. Miller-Hjelle, J. Thomas Hjelle, Monica Jones, William R. Mayberry, Mary Ann Dombrink-Kurtzman, Stephen W. Peterson, Deborah M. Nowak, Frank S. Darras
Primary Institution: University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria
Hypothesis
Is polycystic kidney disease (PKD) an emerging infectious disease and/or microbial toxicosis in a vulnerable human subpopulation?
Conclusion
The study suggests that polycystic kidney disease may be influenced by microbial components, including bacterial endotoxin and fungal elements.
Supporting Evidence
- Endotoxin was detected in cyst fluids from all eight PKD patients tested.
- Fungal DNA was found in kidney tissue and cyst fluid from PKD patients but not in healthy tissue.
- Serologic tests showed the presence of fungal antigens in cyst fluids from PKD patients.
Takeaway
This study looks at whether a common kidney disease might actually be caused or worsened by germs and toxins from microbes.
Methodology
The study used Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) assays to detect endotoxin and fungal components in cyst fluids from PKD patients.
Limitations
The study did not culture bacteria or fungi from PKD cyst fluids, and the presence of microbial components does not prove causation.
Participant Demographics
Patients with autosomal-dominant and autosomal-recessive polycystic kidney disease.
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website