“Can a kidney infection return after antibiotics?”

Sometimes. If the organism causing the infection is resistant or only slightly sensitive to the antibiotic prescribed, then it will recur soon. Getting a culture of the urine along with antibiotic sensitivities will be the best course in this case. If the antibiotic is appropriate given the culture/sensitivity of the bacteria, one should consider other reasons for the recurrence.

Yes. A kidney infection can linger in its middle sections. Antibiotics for lower urinary tract infection will eradicate the infection with 5-7 days. When upper tract infection occurs, then the bacteria have ascended into the middle sections of one’s kidney. Antibiotic courses must extend beyond 10 days for these kidney infections. And some infections become encapsulated over time, which is more complicated and clearance with ongoing antibiotic therapy will require at least 14 days and on occasion longer. The culture and sensitivity stat are very important. The antibiotic selection must be effective. And finally one’s own kidney ureter bladder synchronization matters. Completely emptying of the bladder is essential with each void. Knowing if one has reflux from bladder up into ureter matters. Knowing if partial blockage exists. Or stones or gravel or bladder polyps or any renal cyst matters too. And high urine flow matters, drinking 3-4 quarts per day so voiding of 3-4 quarts per day will happen. If antibiotic course was 5 days, then it was too short. For upper tract kidney infections, the antibiotic should be 10-14 days.