A kidney infection happens when bacteria infects your kidneys. The bacteria are usually a type called E. coli, which live in your bowel. The bacteria get in through the opening of the urethra and move upwards through your urinary tract, first infecting your bladder and then your kidneys.
It’s thought the bacteria can get into your urinary tract by accidentally spreading from your anus to your urethra. This can happen if you wipe your bottom after going to the toilet and the soiled toilet paper comes into contact with your genitals. It can also happen during sex.
In rare cases, a kidney infection can develop if bacteria or fungi infect the skin and the infection spreads through your bloodstream into your kidney. However, this type of infection usually only occurs in people with weakened immune systems.
Who’s most likely to get a kidney infection?
Women and children are most at risk of developing a kidney infection, as well as other urinary tract infections (UTIs) such as cystitis.
In women, the urethra is closer to the anus than in men, making it easier for bacteria from the anus to enter the urethra accidentally. The female urethra is also much shorter than the male urethra (which runs through the penis). This makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder and move into the kidneys.
Other factors can also put you more at risk of developing a kidney infection, including:
Read More ON:
Kidney infection
Symptoms of kidney infection
Diagnosing Kidney Infection
Treating Kidney Infection
Chronic Kidney Disease
Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease
Diagnosing Chronic Kidney Disease
Treating Chronic Kidney Disease
Causes of Chronic kidney Disease
Kidney Cancer
Diagnosing Kidney Cancer
Treating Kidney Cancer
Kidney stones
Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Causes of Kidney Stones
Treating Kidney Stones
Dialysis
Side Effects of Dialysis
Kidney Transplant
Source: NHS
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Kidney-infection/Pages/Causes.aspx