Fungal urinary tract infections in the elderly: treatment guidelines

Area of Science:

• Geriatrics
• Infectious Diseases
• Mycology

Background:

• Fungal growth in urine (funguria) is increasingly prevalent in elderly populations.
• It is observed in both acute and chronic healthcare settings.
• Identified risk factors include broad-spectrum antibiotics, corticosteroids, indwelling bladder catheters, diabetes mellitus, urological abnormalities, and hematological malignancies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical significance and management of funguria in elderly patients.
• To highlight the common risk factors associated with its development.
• To guide appropriate assessment and treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and clinical guidelines on funguria.
• Analysis of risk factors and clinical presentation.
• Evaluation of current treatment recommendations.

Main Results:

• Signs and symptoms of infection are infrequent in funguria cases.
• The degree of fungal growth in cultures does not reliably predict patient outcomes.
• Most funguria cases resolve spontaneously or upon management of underlying risk factors.

Conclusions:

• A thorough clinical assessment is crucial before initiating treatment for funguria.
• Addressing underlying risk factors is key to resolution for the majority of patients.
• Treatment options include bladder irrigation with amphotericin B, oral fluconazole, or a single IV dose of amphotericin B.