Antigenic streptococcal components in acute glomerulonephritis.

Fluorescein-labeled immunoglobulin G fractions from serums of patients with acute glomerulonephritis and from many normal serums stained the glomerular basement membrane and mesangium of renal tissue from patients with early acute glomerulonephritis; these serums did not stain the corresponding tissues from patients with any other kidney disease. Previous absorption of the serum fraction with frozen and thawed nephritogenic beta hemolytic streptococci abolished all staining. Other bacteria studied did not abolish the staining. Only the plasma membrane of the streptococcus absorbed the immunoglobulin G fraction; such absorption eliminated staining. Fluorescein-labeled antiserums against streptococcal plasma membrane had staining properties similar to patients' serums.