Urinary tract infections in the elderly.

Urinary infection is the most common infection in elderly populations. There is a high prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria, but this is benign and does not require treatment. A urine specimen for culture should be obtained before initiating antimicrobial therapy for symptomatic infection. Antimicrobial treatment regimens in the elderly are similar to other populations. Chronic indwelling catheters are associated with increased morbidity from urinary tract infection.