Common risk factors in the development of Goodpasture syndrome may be occupational, environmental, genetic, and viral. However, we don’t known what causes the antibodies to form.

Common risk factors in the development of Goodpasture syndrome may be occupational, environmental, genetic, and viral. ^[1][2]

• Recent studies suggest that infections such as viral or bacterial may play a role through molecular mimicry and increase the risk of developing Goodpasture syndrome.
• Other factors that may increase the risk of Goodpasture syndrome and early initiation of disease include behavioral and social factors.
  • An example of environmental, genetic, behavioral and social factors include smoking, using cocaine, being exposed to solvents such as formaldehyde and hydrocarbons.
  • Genetically, the presence of allele HLA DRB1-1501 is strongly correlated to the disease.^[3]
  • The allele HLA DRB1-1501 is present in over 80% of patients would Goodpasture syndrome.^[4]
  • It is also suggestive that the disease may be initiated following a viral or bacterial infection, however, there is no specific cause of why this occurs. Possible antigens such as that found in the influenza virus may play a role due to cross-reactivity in the basement membrane.^[5]
• In addition, any of the following conditions may also increase antibody access to the alveolar and glomerular basement membranes.
  • Upper respiratory infections
  • Septicemia
  • Volatile hydrocarbons
  • Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
  • Tobacco smoking
  • High concentrations of FiO2 (oxygen)