What is the most common cause of glomerulonephritis in adults?

The most common cause of glomerulonephritis in adults is Berger’s disease, also known as IgA nephropathy. This condition is characterized by the deposition of IgA antibodies in the mesangial deposits of the glomeruli, leading to inflammation and damage over time. It often presents with episodic hematuria and can be associated with upper respiratory infections.

Berger's disease is prevalent worldwide and particularly common in young adults and adolescents. It stands out among other forms of glomerulonephritis due to its relatively high incidence and classic presentation.

While other conditions such as minimal change disease, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, and lupus nephritis can also lead to glomerulonephritis, they are not as frequently seen in the adult population. Minimal change disease is more common in children, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis has a varied incidence but is less common than Berger’s disease in the general adult population, and lupus nephritis, while significant, occurs in a more specific context of systemic lupus erythematosus, which may not be as prevalent. This makes Berger’s disease the predominant cause of glomerulonephritis in adults.