How Does UTI Affect Different Parts of the Urinary Tract Histologically?
The histological impact of a UTI can vary depending on which part of the urinary tract is affected:
- Urethra: Inflammation of the urethra, known as urethritis, often shows a predominance of neutrophils within the epithelial layer. - Bladder: In the bladder, cystitis is characterized by a thickened bladder wall, edema, and infiltration by inflammatory cells. - Ureters and Kidneys: Upper urinary tract infections can lead to pyelonephritis, characterized by inflammation of the renal pelvis and interstitial nephritis, which shows infiltration by neutrophils and lymphocytes in the kidney parenchyma.
