Prognosis

Urinary tract infection (UTI) in younger men

Younger men with UTI often have less complicated infections.​[29][31][82]​​ Antibiotic therapy is generally more effective and results in fewer failures. Younger men have a good prognosis.

UTI in older men

UTI is more common in older men. Eradication of bacteria from the urinary tract may be more difficult, leading to a higher likelihood of recurrent infection. This risk exists in all patients who have had UTI, but greater risk of recurrence exists in patients with underlying structural or functional abnormalities of the urinary tract.[14]​[117]​​​ In addition, drug-resistant and even multidrug-resistant infections may occur more often in these patients. One study noted a higher proportion of multidrug-resistant E coli in urine samples from males compared with females, possibly due to the increased likelihood of prior treatment for UTIs in men.​[84][118]

Catheter-associated UTI (CAUTI)

Indwelling catheters are associated with high risk of developing CAUTI. The risk exists as long as the catheter is in place, starting at day 2.[34][41]​[119]​​​​ Catheters also increase the risk of bacteraemia. The prognosis remains poor, and recurrent infections are likely with chronic indwelling catheters.

Asymptomatic bacteriuria

The presence of asymptomatic bacteriuria does not alter patients' morbidity or mortality except in men requiring procedures that disrupt the urinary tract lining.[6][76] This latter group of patients may be at risk for developing bacteraemia or sepsis.

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