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Bacteriuria in the elderly population in a developing country
1Department of ParaClinical Sciences, The University of West Indies, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Champs Fleurs, Trinidad and Tobago.
Journal of the National Medical Association
|August 9, 2001
Summary
Bacteriuria, a urinary tract infection, affects 38.5% of elderly individuals, with gram-negative bacteria being common. Effective antibiotics include augmentin, gentomicin, and ciprofloxacin.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Microbiology
Background:
- Bacteriuria is common in elderly populations, affecting both hospitalized and non-hospitalized individuals.
- Prevalence varies by sex, with higher rates observed in men.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and causative agents of bacteriuria in the elderly.
- To identify common pathogens and antibiotic resistance patterns.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of various antibiotics against isolated bacteria.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 1470 elderly individuals (hospitalized and non-hospitalized).
- Bacteriological analysis of urine samples to identify causative agents.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of isolated pathogens.
Main Results:
- Overall bacteriuria prevalence was 38.5%.
- Proteus species predominated in men, while Escherichia coli was the main pathogen in women.
- High resistance rates to ampicillin, cephalothin, and tetracycline were observed; augmentin, gentomicin, and ciprofloxacin showed high efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Bacteriuria is a significant issue in the elderly, often caused by gram-negative bacteria with notable antibiotic resistance.
- Catheterization is a risk factor, particularly in men with outflow obstruction.
- Targeted antibiotic selection is crucial for effective treatment.