[Urinary infection in the adult]

Infections of the urinary tract are common--only respiratory infections occur more often. Urinary tract infections (UTI) are a serious health problem producing significant morbidity in a vast number of people each year and mostly affecting the quality of life of young women. Accurate diagnosis and treatment results in successful resolution of most urinary tract infections. To achieve that objective, we present clinical guidelines focussing on specific categories of adult urinary tract infection based on host factors and clinical findings. Categorization of urinary tract infections allows more efficient use of laboratory testing in the workup of UTI and the most appropriate selection of treatment for UTI. Shorter course therapy and prophylactic antimicrobials have reduced the morbidity and cost associated to recurrent cystitis in women. New antimicrobial agents that achieve high urinary levels, administered orally and that are not nephrotoxic, have improved the ability to treat severe infections, reducing the need for hospitalization. Early identification of patients with complicated infections for urological referral remains compulsory.