pyelonephritis

(noun)

An ascending urinary tract infection that has reached the pelvis or the kidney.

Related Terms

Examples of pyelonephritis in the following topics:

  • Pyelonephritis

    • Pyelonephritis is an inflammation of the kidney tissue and surrounding area, commonly caused by a bacterial infection ascending up the upper urinary tract.
    • Pyelonephritis is an inflammation of the kidney tissue, calyces, and renal pelvis.
    • In other words, pyelitis together with nephritis is collectively known as pyelonephritis.
    • Pyelonephritis presents with fever, accelerated heart rate, painful urination, abdominal pain radiating to the back, nausea, and tenderness at the costovertebral angle on the affected side.
    • Pyelonephritis requires antibiotic therapy, and sometimes surgical intervention, as well as treatment of any underlying causes to prevent its recurrence.

  • Pathogenic Escherichia coli

    • In ascending infections, fecal bacteria colonize the urethra and spread up the urinary tract to the bladder, as well as to the kidneys (causing pyelonephritis), or the prostate in males.
    • Uropathogenic E. coli use P fimbriae (pyelonephritis-associated pili) to bind urinary tract endothelial cells and colonize the bladder.

  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

    • When it affects the lower urinary tract it is known as a bladder infection (cystitis); when it affects the upper urinary tract it is known as kidney infection (pyelonephritis).
    • People experiencing an upper urinary tract infection, or pyelonephritis, may experience flank pain, fever, or nausea and vomiting in addition to the classic symptoms of a lower urinary tract infection.

  • Sepsis and Septic Shock

    • The precipitating infections which may lead to septic shock if severe enough include appendicitis, pneumonia, bacteremia, diverticulitis, pyelonephritis, meningitis, pancreatitis, and necrotizing fasciitis.

  • Adherence

    • The Dr family of adhesins are particularly associated with cystitis and pregnancy-associated pyelonephritis.

  • Cystitis

    • ., weakened immunity, these bacteria can be found the culprit responsible for urinary tract infections such as cystitis and pyelonephritis.

  • Urinalysis

    • White blood cell casts – associated with acute interstitial nephritis, exudative glomerulonephritis, or severe pyelonephritis