Secondary Membranous Nephropathy Associated with Mycobacterium intracellulare

Abstract

A 67-year-old woman was diagnosed with chronic bronchitis after an abnormality on chest radiography. Two years later, proteinuria was noted, and she was diagnosed with nephrosis the following year. Membranous nephropathy associated with Mycobacterium intracellurare was confirmed and clarithromycin, ethambutol and rifampicin were administered. She recovered from nephrosis after two years of anti-mycobacterial treatment. Successful treatment of the underlying cause of secondary membranous nephropathy may result in a cure. Membranous nephropathy due to mycobacteria is a rare condition. To our knowledge, this is the first report of membranous nephropathy associated with M. intracellurare.