[Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis in acute infection]

Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (ATIN) is divided into two groups; acute pyelonephritis (APN) and ATIN associated with systemic infections. APN is generally occurred in females through the urinary tract. The causative organisms are gram-negative enteric bacteria, of which E. coli is the most common. Since antibiotics were used for the treatment of the infection, the prognosis became favorable, except for the presence of underlying diseases. On the other hand, ATIN in systemic infection is characterized by the association of acute renal dysfunction and infiltration of the interstitium by inflammatory cells. Renal biopsy is needed for adequate diagnosis. Since antibiotic era, the incidence of ATIN decreased.