What is the believed pathologic process of post-infectious glomerulonephritis?

Post-infectious glomerulonephritis is primarily characterized by immune complex formation and subsequent deposition in the glomeruli. This condition often follows infections, particularly those caused by specific strains of bacteria, such as Streptococcus. The immune response to the infection leads to the formation of antibodies that form complexes with antigens, which then become deposited in the glomerular tissue. This deposition triggers an inflammatory response and activates complement pathways, ultimately resulting in damage to the glomeruli.

The pathologic process is closely associated with the history of a preceding infection, suggesting a clear link between the infection and the immune response that manifests as glomerulonephritis. The accumulation of these immune complexes within the glomeruli causes alterations in glomerular filtration, often leading to symptoms such as hematuria, proteinuria, and edema.

While other options touch on processes relevant to kidney injury and infection, they do not accurately capture the mechanism of post-infectious glomerulonephritis. For instance, infarction of renal vessels pertains to ischemic changes rather than immune-mediated damage. Bacterial endotoxin deposition does not directly relate to the immune complex pathology that defines this condition. Lastly, blockages from bacteria associated with endocardial