Acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN)
Category: Infections and parasites
Topic: Bacterial infections
Version 1.0 December 2023
Acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis or APSGN is a rare kidney disease that can start 1–6 weeks after a skin or throat infection caused by bacteria called group A streptococcus (GAS).
The disease is caused by the body’s immune response to GAS bacteria. These germs are often found in skin infections called school sores or impetigo and after scabies or fungal infections. They can also cause a sore throat (strep throat).
APSGN mainly affects children between 12 months to 16 years of age, but it can happen at any age.
The best way to prevent APSGN is early diagnosis and treatment of GAS infections of the skin and throat.
Signs and symptoms
Signs or symptoms of APSGN may include:
- puffy / swollen face, eyes, ankles or feet
- dark or ‘coke’ coloured urine
- headache
- fever
- nausea, tiredness or feeling unwell.
Treatment
Skin sores or sore throats caused by GAS can be treated with antibiotics.
If you think a child or family member has APSGN see your local doctor.
Most children with APSGN get better with treatment. Sometimes they need to go to hospital. APSGN can make some people very sick and cause long term kidney problems.
Transmission
GAS bacteria are often found in the throat and on the skin. Sometimes people have no symptoms.
GAS bacteria can be spread person to person by:
- sneezing and coughing
- touching skin sores infected with GAS
- sharing clothes, bedding or towels with someone who has skin sores from a GAS infection.
GAS bacteria are commonly spread between family members and people staying in the household.
Prevention
To stop GAS infection and APSGN:
- every household member should wash their hands and body every day with soap and water
- wash your hands with soap and water after toilet, sneezing or coughing and before cooking or eating
- see a doctor for itchy skin, sore throat, or skin sores with pus or scabs.
- clean and cover skin sores from dirt and scratching with dressings or band-aids
- keep fingernails short and clean
- wash towels, clothing, toys and bedding regularly and dry in the sun.
If there are increasing cases in the community, health staff may ask to check all the children’s skin for sores, scabies or signs of APSGN.
Help and Assistance
For further information, please contact your local doctor, health centre or nearest Public Health Unit; or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) 24 hours a day 7 days a week for the cost of a local call.
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Other Resources
- 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84)