chronic active hepatitis b with hbv-associated nephropathy: close resemblance to lupus nephritis

We present a rare case of a 23-year-old male incidentally detected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection presenting with features suggestive of HBV-associated nephropathy. A renal biopsy specimen suggested a mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis with a full-house pattern on immunoflourescence consistent with a diagnosis of diffuse lupus nephritis. Glomerular HbeAg and HbsAg antigens were not detectable by immunofluorescence. Antiviral therapy was instituted to suppress viral replication, thereby leading to clinical and virological remission, including that of the glomerulonephritis, without the need for additional immunosuppressant therapy. This case depicts the uniqueness of the presentation of the two conditions mimicking each other, the strategy adopted to prevent the activation of viral replication and the achievement of clinical remission.