Antimicrobial therapy for treatment of UTI in the elderly

Patient age is an important factor when considering an antimicrobial agent for treatment of urinary tract infection (UTI). Specifically, elderly patients cannot be managed in the same way as younger patients because of the many physical changes that occur with aging and because of the concomitant pathologies that may be present. In addition, UTI in the elderly is very often due to two common urologic syndromes: obstructive uropathy and urinary incontinence. No antimicrobial therapy, whether oral or parenteral, may be effective if these syndromes are not resolved prior to instituting treatment. Characteristics of and criteria for antimicrobial agents are detailed and the role of new quinolones is emphasized.