CD79A and Henoch-Schoenlein purpura: A distinct form of IgA nephropathy in HIV patients, that is associated with immune complexes composed of IgA idiotypic antibodies and anti-HIV antibodies, has been described.55,56 Patients with HIV often have immune activation with elevated serum IgA and circulating immune complexes which can be related to the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy; the virus itself may have a direct effect on the vascular endothelium.49,57 Most reported cases of HIV-associated IgA vasculitis/nephropathy originated in Asia.