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Ency. home > Disease > K > Kidney infection (pyelonephritis)

Kidney infection (pyelonephritis)    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Urinary tract infection - complicated; Infection - kidney; Complicated urinary tract infection; Pyelonephritis

Definition:

Pyelonephritis is an infection of the kidney and the ducts that carry urine away from the kidney (ureters).

Causes and Risks

Pyelonephritis most commonly occurs as a result of urinary tract infection (cystitis), particularly in the presence of transient (occasional) or persistent backflow of urine from the bladder into the ureters or kidney pelvis (vesicoureteric reflux).

Pyelonephritis can be further classified according to the clinical setting. Types include:

  • Acute uncomplicated pyelonephritis (sudden development of kidney inflammation)
  • Chronic pyelonephritis (i.e., a long standing infection that does not clear)
  • Reflux nephropathy (i.e., an infection inthe presence of an obstruction)

Although cystitis (bladder infection) is common, pyelonephritis occurs much less often. The risk is increased if there is a history of cystitis, renal papillary necrosis, kidney stones, vesicoureteric reflux, or obstructive uropathy.

The risk is also increased when there is a history of chronic or recurrent urinary tract infection, and when the infection is caused by a particularly virulent bacteria.

Acute pyelonephritis can be severe in the elderly, and in people who are immunosuppressed (for example, those with cancer or AIDS).

Ency. home > Disease > K > Kidney infection (pyelonephritis)

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