What type of nephropathy is associated with nephrotic syndrome and can be caused by HBV and HCV?

Membranous nephropathy is the type of nephropathy associated with nephrotic syndrome that can be caused by Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV). This condition is characterized by the presence of subepithelial immune complex deposits along the glomerular basement membrane, leading to thickening of this membrane.

In cases related to viral infections, such as those caused by HBV or HCV, membranous nephropathy can manifest as a result of immune-mediated mechanisms, where the viruses trigger the formation of circulating immune complexes. These complexes accumulate and provoke an inflammatory response in the kidneys.

Patients with membranous nephropathy typically present with classic symptoms of nephrotic syndrome, including significant proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, edema, and hyperlipidemia. The association with HBV and HCV is clinically significant, as identifying these underlying infections can help inform treatment strategies and potentially reduce the nephropathy's impact.

Other types of nephropathy, such as minimal change disease, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, and diabetic nephropathy, although associated with nephrotic syndrome, are not primarily linked with viral infections like HBV and HCV in the same