[Treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections: cefuroxime vs cotrimoxazole]

Forty females (ages 15-74) with community-acquired, uncomplicated urinary tract infections were studied. Clinical and microbiological efficacy of cefuroxime (250 mg td) and trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole (160/800 mg td) used for 7 days were evaluated. The microorganisms found in the pre-treatment urinary cultures were: Escherichia Coli (85%), Klebsiella Pneumoniae (12.5%), and E. Agglomerans (2.5%). They were all susceptible to cefuroxime, and 42.5% were resistant to trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole (Kirby-Bauer). These findings show that trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole should not be used empirically while waiting for the results of urinary cultures, and that cefuroxime is a good alternative in these cases. Clinical cure was observed in all, and bacteriological cure in 75% of the pts treated with both antimicrobial agents. Relapses and reinfections were detected during follow-up emphasizing the importance of intra and post-treatment urinary cultures.