Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infection (UTI), an acute bacterial infection of the urinary bladder, kidney, or collecting system, is among the most commonly diagnosed infectious diseases. The spectrum of disease is broad, ranging from simple cystitis to septic shock. Highly active and bioavailable oral antimicrobials have made therapy for UTI convenient and inexpensive. However, widespread use (including overuse) of these drugs has promoted the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, so clinicians now increasingly find themselves without reliably active oral options for empirical UTI therapy. Strategies for optimizing care and prolonging the utility of currently available drugs include (1) following evidence-based practice guidelines; (2) not treating patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria (ABU); and (3) using fluoroquinolone (FQ)-sparing therapy in appropriate patients.