Antimicrobial susceptibility of bacteria isolated from urine samples obtained from nursing home residents.

In our study of nursing home residents with clinically suspected urinary tract infection who did not require the use of an indwelling catheter, we identified bacteria isolated from urine samples, the resistance patterns of these isolated bacteria, and the antibiotic therapy prescribed to the residents. Escherichia coli, the predominant organism isolated, frequently was resistant to commonly prescribed oral antibiotics. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole remains the best empiric antimicrobial therapy for a urinary tract infection, but nitrofurantoin should be considered if E. coli is identified.