Urinary tract infections in the frail elderly: issues for diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infections in frail elderly adults, whether they are community dwelling, live in long term care facilities (LTCFs) or are hospitalized. UTIs cause substantial morbidity and mortality in frail elderly men and women. While many major risk factors in these individuals may not be modifiable, improved attention to incontinence management, judicious use of antimicrobials and urinary catheters, and, in women, appropriate use of topical estrogen may be useful in reducing UTIs. Future strategies may also include the appropriate use of new urinary catheter technology and emerging vaccines.