Urinary tract infections in the elderly.

Urinary tract infections in the elderly may not produce typical symptoms, are often complicated and may show different microbiology. Senile vaginitis or prostatic hypertrophy may be contributing factors. Instrumentation and, in particular, trauma to the urethra are major causes. Asymptomatic bacteriuria in an elderly patient does not seem to be an independent risk factor for mortality and generally does not require treatment.