The incidence, clinical features and outcome of urinary tract infections in geriatric patients: A prospective longitudinal study

Objectives

This study compares the incidence, clinical features, microbial profiles, and outcomes of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in patients aged 65 years and older versus those younger than 65 years.

Methods

A longitudinal cohort of 1,123 patients was divided into Group A (≥65 years, n = 560) and Group B (<65 years, n = 563) and followed for 2 years. The study analyzed UTI incidence, clinical features, microbial profiles, and outcomes, including recurrence and antibiotic resistance.

Results

Over 2 years, Group A had a significantly higher UTI incidence (38.0%) compared with Group B (12.8%) (P <0.0001). Complete recovery was less common in Group A (44.6%) than in Group B (70.83%), whereas recurrent UTIs and antibiotic resistance were more frequent in Group A (43.5% vs 22.2%, P <0.0001 and 11.7% vs 2.78%, P = 0.0017, respectively). Escherichia coli was the most prevalent pathogen in both groups, with Klebsiella and Pseudomonas species more common in recurrent UTIs, particularly in older patients. Risk factors for recurrent UTIs included advanced age, female sex, diabetes, immunosuppression, and renal stones.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the need for age-specific UTI prevention and management strategies that account for microbial resistance patterns and higher recurrence rates in older patients, addressing clinical and microbial challenges.