Microorganisms in Pathogenesis and Management of Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA)-Associated Vasculitis

ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) is characterized by granulomatous and neutrophilic tissue inflammation, and is commonly accompanied with the development of antibodies that target neutrophil antigens. The two major antigens targeted by ANCAs are leukocyte proteinase 3 (PR3) and myeloperoxidase (MPO). The development of AAV has been linked to a number of potential risk aspects, including ecological, pharmacological, and microbial exposures. Infectious (microbial) factors are thought towards show a part in many types of vasculitis by causing inflammation of vessel walls as a result of direct or contiguous infection, type II or immune complex-mediated reaction, cell mediated allergic reaction, or inflammation caused by immune dysregulation triggered by bacterial toxin and/or super antigen production. Because immune suppressive medication in the absence of antimicrobial therapy may enhance morbidity while failing to resolve infection-related vascular inflammation, infectious entities should be considered as a potential inciting factor in vasculitis disorders. Therefore, amid these factors, here we contribute new consideration on infectious factors associated vasculitis.