ABSTRACT
Viruses are the most common cause of human infections—as well as the most deadly and most feared. Despite this, it is reassuring that the number of viral infections that result in kidney disease is relatively small. Worldwide infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has reached pandemic proportions never before experienced in the history of humankind. The pandemic has been particularly rampant in inhabitants of developing countries and shows no signs of abating. Renal disease is a well-recognized complication of HIV infection. With rampant HIV infection in developing countries, HIV-associated renal disease can be expected to add a significant health burden to regions that are already struggling under the yoke of other health problems. Extrarenal obstruction is a rare cause of renal failure and may be due to tumors or lymph nodes; intrarenal obstruction can result from the deposition of crystals, complicating the administration of certain drugs.
