Optimal treatment of urinary tract infections in elderly patients.

Elderly patients are at high risk for urinary tract infection (UTI). Infections of the urinary tract may be classified as asymptomatic bacteriuria, uncomplicated cystitis, uncomplicated pyelonephritis or complicated UTI. The micro-organisms responsible for causing UTI are largely predictable and dictate therapy when indicated. UTIs may be diagnosed by both nonculture and culture techniques. Asymptomatic bacteriuria, though quite common in the elderly, should rarely be treated. Treatment of symptomatic uncomplicated and complicated UTIs is largely dictated by the known or expected pathogen(s) and classification of the infection. Additional features affecting the treatment of UTI in the elderly include allergies, adverse reactions to therapy, drug interactions and modification for renal insufficiency.