IgA nephropathy with crescent cell lesions in a human brucellosis patient: a case report

Brucellosis is known to impact multiple organ systems in humans, including the urogenital system; however, the occurrence of glomerular diseases is relatively uncommon. In this study, we present the case of a 45-year-old man with no prior history of renal disease who developed gross hematuria, proteinuria, acute kidney injury, anemia, hypoproteinemia, pleural effusion, arthralgia, and lymphadenopathy following an acute <i>Brucella</i> infection. Renal biopsy revealed mesangial proliferative immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy with partial crescents, classified as M1E0S0T0C2 according to the Oxford classification, in conjunction with <i>Brucella</i> spondylitis. The patient achieved complete remission after 4 months of anti-brucellosis therapy with doxycycline, levofloxacin, and rifampicin. In this paper, we present a case study of IgA nephropathy complicated by cellular crescent lesions resulting from acute <i>Brucella</i> infection, which completely resolved following anti-<i>Brucella</i> therapy. In addition, we review previously documented cases of <i>Brucella</i>-associated glomerular disease confirmed through renal biopsy, aiming to offer a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.