UTI: managing the most common nursing home infection.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common type of infection in nursing homes. Asymptomatic bacteriuria, the most common form, requires no treatment. Symptomatic UTI requires treatment, but symptoms (acute deterioration in functional ability or mental status) may be nonspecific. Complicated UTI is more common in nursing home residents than in other populations. Immobility and the use of bedpans instead of commodes contribute to decreased bladder emptying and an increased potential for UTI. Poor perineal hygiene in many females in nursing homes also increases the potential for UTI. For this reason, obtaining urine for culture by catheterization rather than voided specimen should be the norm for female nursing home patients.