Urinary Tract Infections in Long-Term–Care Facilities

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common bacterial infection occurring in residents of long-term–care facilities. It is a frequent reason for antimicrobial administration, but antimicrobial use for treating UTIs is often inappropriate. Achieving optimal management of UTI in this population is problematic because of the very high prevalence of bacteriuria, evidence that the treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria is not beneficial, and the clinical and microbiological imprecision in diagnosing symptomatic UTI. This position paper has been developed, using available evidence, to assist facilities and healthcare professionals in managing this common problem (Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2001;22:167-175).