Shunt nephritis associated with Propionibacterium acnes.

Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis was observed in a 22-year-old male patient in whom a ventriculoatrial shunt and a ventricular catheter were implanted after he was diagnosed in September 1989 with a cerebral cyst. Propionibacterium acnes infection of a central nervous system shunt was diagnosed. The ventriculoatrial shunt was removed (the catheter had become embedded in tissue and was left in place) and the patient was treated with cefotaxime (3 x 2 g) for 14 days. Renal function improved, but recovery was not complete.