Renal manifestations of sexually transmitted diseases: Sexually transmitted diseases and the kidney

The adolescent population is the group most vulnerable to the long-term consequences of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Although renal manifestations of STDs result from viral venereal diseases, detection or targeted screening for common bacterial STDs should provoke further investigation for potential coinfection with HIV-1 and the hepatitis B and C viruses. Manifestations of HIV-associated nephropathy include collapsing focal glomerular sclerosis and membranous glomerulonephropathy. A rare but important nephropathy associated with hepatitis C infection is membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. With highly effective antiretroviral therapy, as well as conservative management with angiotensin antagonists to control proteinuria, disease progression may be modified and longevity improved. Targeted screening and detection of kidney disease in high-risk adolescent populations is warranted.