Infecciones urinarias en residencias de ancianos

Urinary tract infections are more common in the elderly and in nursing homes. Their forms of presentation may be confusing, leading to diagnostic doubt and over-treatment. Management of these infections and antibiotic prescription could be improved by increasing awareness of the problem, providing staff with training, and involving all personnel in prevention, patient care and treatment improvement. Coordination with the reference microbiology service is required to determine resistance in each center and to establish diagnostic and treatment criteria. The use of simple protocols would aid the rational use of available therapeutic resources and limit the development of antimicrobial resistance in nursing homes.