URINARY-TRACT INFECTION IN OLDER ADULTS

Urinary tract infection is common among older adults, although most in dividuals are asymptomatic. The prevalence of bacteriuria varies signi ficantly with living situation and functional status. Asymptomatic bat teriuria is a benign condition and is not an independent risk factor f or mortality in older adults. Treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria ge nerally is not indicated, but symptomatic urinary tract infection of t he lower or upper tract dictates antibiotic therapy.