When does post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis typically occur after a pharyngeal infection?

Study for the USMLE Step 2 CK Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis typically occurs about 1 week after a pharyngeal infection caused by group A Streptococcus. This condition is a form of acute glomerulonephritis that can develop following a streptococcal throat infection.

The timing is consistent with the immune response that follows the initial infection, where antibodies are produced against streptococcal antigens. These antibodies can cross-react with the glomerular tissue, leading to inflammation and the clinical manifestation of glomerulonephritis.

Understanding this timing is crucial for clinicians to make a proper diagnosis when a patient presents with symptoms such as hematuria, hypertension, and edema following a streptococcal infection. The typical window of about 1 week allows for the progression from infection to immune-mediated disease, distinguishing it from more immediate reactions that might occur with different types of pathogens or conditions.

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