Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction

Acute pyelonephritis is a sudden, severe bacterial infection affecting the renal pelvis, tubules, and interstitial tissue of one or both kidneys. It differs from chronic pyelonephritis, which develops from repeated infections or structural abnormalities that progressively damage kidney tissue. The infection typically ascends from the lower urinary tract.

Acute pyelonephritis typically begins with bacterial colonization of the urethra, followed by migration to the bladder, causing cystitis. From the bladder, bacteria ascend through the ureters to the kidneys, particularly when urinary stasis or vesicoureteral reflux is present. Once bacteria invade the renal interstitium, they trigger an inflammatory immune response.

Escherichia coli is the primary cause of acute pyelonephritis, accounting for approximately 70-80% of cases. Other bacteria responsible for the infection include Proteus, Klebsiella, Enterococcus, and Pseudomonas. These organisms typically originate from the lower urinary tract and ascend to the kidneys.

When bacteria invade the renal interstitium, the immune system releases cytokines and inflammatory mediators, triggering renal edema and neutrophil infiltration. This inflammatory response causes injury to renal tissue. If untreated, the inflammation can progress to serious complications like renal abscess formation or sepsis.

Patients with acute pyelonephritis commonly present with high fever and chills, flank and lower back pain, painful urination, nausea, and vomiting. Laboratory findings include leukocytosis (elevated white blood cells), bacteriuria, and pyuria (pus in urine). Malaise and headache often accompany these symptoms as part of the systemic inflammatory response.

Several factors predispose individuals to acute pyelonephritis, including untreated urinary tract infections, vesicoureteral reflux, obstructive uropathy from kidney stones or tumors, immunosuppression from diabetes or HIV, pregnancy-related hormonal changes, and indwelling catheters. These conditions either promote bacterial ascension or compromise the immune system's ability to fight infection.

Acute pyelonephritis is a sudden, severe bacterial infection, while chronic pyelonephritis develops from repeated infections or structural abnormalities that progressively damage kidney tissue over time. Acute cases present with acute symptoms like high fever and severe flank pain, whereas chronic pyelonephritis may develop insidiously with long-term kidney damage.