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. 2012 Apr;20(4):33-38.

Urinary Tract Infections in Older Adults Residing in Long-Term Care Facilities

Liza Genao  1 , Gwendolen T Buhr
Affiliations

Urinary Tract Infections in Older Adults Residing in Long-Term Care Facilities

Liza Genao et al. Ann Longterm Care. 2012 Apr.

Abstract

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are commonly suspected in residents of long-term care (LTC) facilities, and it has been common practice to prescribe antibiotics to these patients, even when they are asymptomatic. This approach, however, often does more harm than good, leading to increased rates of adverse drug effects and more recurrent infections with drug-resistant bacteria. It also does not improve genitourinary symptoms (eg, polyuria or malodorous urine) or lead to improved mortality rates; thus, distinguishing UTIs from asymptomatic bacteriuria is imperative in the LTC setting. This article provides a comprehensive overview of UTI in the LTC setting, outlining the epidemiology, risk factors and pathophysiology, microbiology, diagnosis, laboratory assessment, and management of symptomatic UTI.

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Figures

Figure
Figure
Modified diagnostic algorithm that was used to identify and manage urinary tract infections (UTIs) in our long-term care (LTC) facility, which had a higher incidence of UTIs than the national average. This algorithm divides symptoms into major and minor according to the strength of evidence of their association with UTI in LTC facilities.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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