Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis in Xakriabá indigenous children: case reports

Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) is a serious public health problem that mainly affects children. Although rare, the disease affected two children from the Xakriabá indigenous community, being the most common cause of acute nephritis in this age group and potentially leading to irreversible kidney damage if not treated promptly. We report two cases of PSGN in indigenous children that occurred in the village of Brejo, municipality of São João das Missões, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The cases were identified between August and December 2024. All cases were observed in male rural residents, aged between 8 and 10 years. The cause of the disease was a previous cutaneous infection by Streptococcus pyogenes, confirmed by titration of type O antistreptolysin. The predominant symptoms were hypertension, facial and lower limb edema, microscopic hematuria, and abdominal pain. All cases were treated in a hospital setting and recovered without complications. We recommend that health teams encourage regular hygiene practices and that the government invest in improvements in environmental sanitation to protect the kidney health of this vulnerable indigenous population.