Microorganisms in Pathogenesis and Management of IgA Vasculitis and IgA Nephropathy

IgA vasculitis is an autoimmune disease characterized by leukocyte infiltration into blood vessels. Infectious agents such as bacteria and viruses have been found in blood vessels. Despite several research studies, the link between infection and vasculitis remains unknown, probably due to a lack of suitable animal models and technical constraints in the pathogen detection. Moreover, microbial infections have been implicated in the etiology of IgA nephropathy. However, how the microbes participate in the infection process remains a subject of debate. Studies indicate that alteration in gut microbiome can contribute to progression of IgA nephropathy. This chapter discusses the involvement of microorganisms in IgA vasculitis and IgA nephropathy pathogenesis and portrays several findings that focus on the therapeutic aspects of these diseases.