Pyelonephritis: The Daily PANCE Blueprint

The answer is E. Escherichia coli

Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection of the kidney. It usually occurs from bacteria ascending from the bladder up the upper urinary tract. The most common cause is E. coli. Clinical features include fever, chills, CVA tenderness, suprapubic or flank pain, fatigue, dysuria, urgency frequency, etc. Diagnosis is clinical. Urine and blood cultures should be obtained. CT abdominal/pelvis is the preferred initial imaging study and can show kidney stones, abscesses, gas, etc. Treatment includes antibiotic therapy and stone removal if applicable. Antibiotic choice depends on the severity of the illness and the patient population.