Minimal change nephrotic syndrome: a possible complication of ehrlichiosis

Abstract 

Ehrlichiae are rickettsial organisms recently shown to be human pathogens. Infections often cause fever, myalgia, and hematological abnormalities, and sometimes mild elevation in transaminases, creatinine, and urinary protein. We report a teenager with nephrotic syndrome from minimal change glomerulonephritis and serological evidence of ehrlichiosis. In the appropriate clinical setting, Ehrlichiae should be considered in the etiological assessment of patients with minimal change disease.