Recurrent urinary tract infections in men. Characteristics and response to therapy

All men with recurrent urinary tract infections entered into a study had a positive antibody-coated bacteria test, and 52% had evidence for prostate infection. Escherichia coli infection was present in 74% and urinary tract symptoms in 57% of those randomized. Thirty-eight patients were randomized in a double-blind clinical trial to receive either 10d of treatment with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole or a 12-week course of the drug. The cure rate in patients receiving 12 weeks of therapy (nine of 15) was higher than that in patients receiving a single 10-d course (three of 15); difference was marginally significant (P = 0.06). Recurrences were usually with the same organism, and most (78%) occurred within 4 weeks of discontinuing therapy. This study indicates that a standard 10-d course of therapy usually fails to cure men with recurrent urinary tract infections with a positive antibody-coated bacteria test.