Urinary tract infections in long-term-care facilities

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common bacterial infection occurr ing in residents of long-term-care facilities. It is a frequent reason for antimicrobial administration, but antimicrobial use for treating UTIs is of ten inappropriate. Achieving optimal management of UTI in this population i s problematic because of the very high prevalence of bacteriuria, evidence that the treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria is not beneficial, and the c linical and microbiological imprecision in diagnosing symptomatic UTI. This position paper has been developed, using available evidence, to assist fac ilities and healthcare professionals in managing this common problem.