Description
Urinary tract infection in older age is commonly over diagnosed. There is a high prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria which does not normally need treatment and should be differentiated from symptomatic urinary tract infection. This can be challenging in patients who are unable to provide a clear history. In an era of increasing antimicrobial resistance and notable morbidity from antibiotic side-effects, clear case definitions need to be used to avoid unnecessary antibiotic prescription. Whilst evidence of bacteriuria should be considered a minimum criterion amongst patients unable to give a history, it is not sufficient alone to justify an antibiotic prescription and other clinical features should be considered. Most patients with uncomplicated urinary tract infection should receive a short course of oral antibiotic therapy.
