How can vesicoureteric reflux contribute to kidney infection and scarring?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

The most common cause of urinary tract infection is invasion into the urethra of Escherichia coli, a type of bacterium that normally inhabits the bowel. — urinary tract infection The most common cause of urinary tract infection is invasion into the urethra of *Escherichia coli*, a type of bacterium that normally inhabits the bowel.

Vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) occurs when the ureterovesical valve is incompetent, allowing urine to flow backward from the bladder into the ureter and renal pelvis. This process contributes to kidney damage and infection through two primary mechanisms:1

Direct Damage: The reflux of urine into the upper urinary tract can cause direct injury to the kidneys during infancy.1
Infection Facilitation: By allowing urine to regurgitate, VUR creates an environment that favors the development of infection. When bacteria are present, this reflux provides a pathway for the infection to ascend from the bladder into the renal pelvis and kidney tissue.1

Over time, this combination of direct injury and recurrent infection can lead to the development of pyelonephritis, ultimately resulting in kidneys that are distorted by fibrosis and permanent scar tissue.1