Etiology and Treatment of Pyelonephritis: Modern Concepts

A bstract Pyelonephritis is an extremely complex disease and is not fully understood. In its development, it gives rise to a great variety of signs and symptoms and involves a series of pathogenic mechanisms. This article explores the various aspects of urinary‐tract infections in the light of our present knowledge. Topics of discussion are the common causes of pyelonephritis, the collection and bacteriologic study of the urine, the use and abuse of the catheter, pathways of infection, the special susceptibility of certain age groups (including the elderly) to infection, diagnostic procedures, and medical and surgical therapy.