BACTERIURIA AND URINARY INFECTIONS IN THE ELDERLY

Aging is associated with a decreased physiological functioning, reflec ting the body's progressive inability to maintain homeostasis as age i ncreases. The physiological dysfunctions experienced in response to th e aging process increases the individual's susceptibility to infection . Indwelling catheters and other attending procedures may provide a mi croenvironment conducive to infection. Urinary infections in the elder ly are more commonly asymptomatic; treatment for asymptomatic bacteriu ria is not justified and will often present opportunities for the orga nism to acquire antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial selection for the treatment of complicating symptomatic urinary infections in elderl y subjects is complicated by the many physiological and environmental conditions associated with older age patients.