Urinary tract infection in the elderly.

The elderly segment of the population is growing at a rapid rate; this "longevity revolution" is associated with an increasing prevalence of bacteriuria and UTI. Asymptomatic bacteriuria generally requires no treatment. In the absence of obstructive uropathy or infected calculi, asymptomatic bacteriuria in the elderly pursues a benign course. Prevention of UTIs is needed to avoid the risks of symptomatic infection, bacteremia, and urosepsis. Indwelling catheters should be left in situ for short periods of time, and alternative methods of bladder drainage should be used whenever possible. Coexistent chronic disease should be optimally managed and every effort made to avoid invasive procedures and limit GU instrumentation.