Protocolo diagnóstico y terapéutico de la infección urinaria en el paciente mayor

Abstract

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are, after respiratory infections, the most common infectious disease in elderly patients. Their form of presentation ranges from asymptomatic bacteriuria to cystitis, pyelonephritis, or urinary sepsis. The diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion and the detection of pyuria and a urine culture with significant bacteriuria. In geriatric patients, the disease's often atypical presentation and the high prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria hinder its diagnosis. Asymptomatic bacteriuria is the colonization of the urinary tract by bacteria and must be differentiated from a symptomatic UTI, as it does not require treatment. When choosing empirical antibiotic treatment, the possible adverse effects, previous microbiological isolations, and local resistance rate must be taken into account.