Serum CCR7 as a Diagnostic Marker in Acute and Chronic Pyelonephritis: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study in Iraq

Background: Pyelonephritis is a serious kidney infection primarily caused by Gram-negative bacteria, notably Escherichia coli. Understanding the host immune response is essential for developing diagnostic tools. This study aimed to evaluate the serum levels of CC-chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) in patients with acute and chronic pyelonephritis. Objectives: To assess serum CCR7 concentrations in patients with acute and chronic pyelonephritis, compare them to healthy controls, and determine the potential of CCR7 as a diagnostic biomarker. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Najaf, Iraq, involving 89 participants: 30 with acute pyelonephritis, 30 with chronic pyelonephritis, and 29 healthy controls. Diagnosis was confirmed through clinical and biochemical evaluation. Blood samples were collected, and serum CCR7 levels were measured using ELISA. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Results: CCR7 levels were significantly higher in pyelonephritis patients compared to healthy controls (P < 0.05). Moreover, patients with chronic pyelonephritis exhibited higher CCR7 levels than those with acute infection, although the difference was not statistically significant. These findings suggest enhanced immune activation in chronic cases. Conclusion: Elevated serum CCR7 levels are associated with pyelonephritis, indicating its role in immune response modulation. Although not definitive alone, CCR7 may serve as a supplementary diagnostic biomarker to differentiate between acute and chronic forms of the disease. Further studies are needed to validate its clinical utility.