pyelonephritis
noun
py·elo·ne·phri·tis
ˌpī-(ə-)lō-ni-ˈfrī-təs 
: inflammation of both the lining of the renal pelvis and the parenchyma of the kidney especially due to bacterial infection
Examples of pyelonephritis in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In severe cases, pyelonephritis can cause a severe reaction known as urosepsis.
—
Matthew Wosnitzer, Verywell Health, 28 Feb. 2025
If left untreated, a UTI can ascend into the kidneys and result in the kidney infection pyelonephritis, Kim said.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN, 15 Dec. 2024
Infections: Infections that directly damage the kidneys, such as sepsis or acute pyelonephritis (bacterial infection of the kidneys), can lead to kidney failure.
—Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 28 Sep. 2024
Kidney infection Kidney infection (or pyelonephritis) is a type of UTI that generally begins in your urethra or bladder and travels to one or both of your kidneys.
—Samantha Lauriello, Health.com, 9 Sep. 2019
The least common type of UTI, a kidney infection (acute pyelonephritis), can cause flank pain, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting.
—Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 9 Mar. 2019
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Matthew Wosnitzer, Verywell Health, 28 Feb. 2025
If left untreated, a UTI can ascend into the kidneys and result in the kidney infection pyelonephritis, Kim said.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN, 15 Dec. 2024
Infections: Infections that directly damage the kidneys, such as sepsis or acute pyelonephritis (bacterial infection of the kidneys), can lead to kidney failure.
—Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 28 Sep. 2024
Kidney infection Kidney infection (or pyelonephritis) is a type of UTI that generally begins in your urethra or bladder and travels to one or both of your kidneys.
—Samantha Lauriello, Health.com, 9 Sep. 2019
The least common type of UTI, a kidney infection (acute pyelonephritis), can cause flank pain, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting.
—Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 9 Mar. 2019
Cite this Entry
“Pyelonephritis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pyelonephritis. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
pyelonephritis
noun
py·elo·ne·phri·tis
ˌpī-(ə-)lō-ni-ˈfrīt-əs
plural pyelonephritides
-ˈfrit-ə-ˌdēz
: inflammation of both the parenchyma of a kidney and the lining of its renal pelvis especially due to bacterial infection
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