What term describes inflammation of the biliary tract caused by bacterial infection?

The term that describes inflammation of the biliary tract caused by bacterial infection is cholangitis. This condition typically occurs when there is an obstruction in the biliary system, which can lead to the growth of bacteria within the bile duct. The result is an infection that can be serious and requires prompt medical intervention.

Cholangitis is characterized by the classic triad of symptoms: fever, jaundice, and right upper quadrant pain. Understanding this condition is crucial for healthcare practitioners since it can rapidly progress to more severe complications if not treated promptly.

In contrast, sclerosing cholangitis is a chronic and progressive disorder affecting the bile ducts with an autoimmune component, while acute cholecystitis specifically refers to inflammation of the gallbladder typically due to gallstones. Mirizzi syndrome is a different condition involving common bile duct obstruction due to compression by a gallstone lodged in the cystic duct. These conditions differ significantly in their etiology and clinical features from cholangitis.