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Urinary tract infection in men

Eva Hummers, Ann Marit Ohse, M. Koch, Wolfgang R. Heizmann, Michael M. Kochen

International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 2004

90 participants · 78 citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To explore the prevalence and microbiology of urinary tract infection (UTI) in symptomatic men in a primary care setting and to determine the appropriateness of patient management of these conditions by the general practitioners. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out matching documentation of symptoms and management with urine culture and results of susceptibility tests. All patients presenting with symptoms typical for a UTI in 36 teaching general practices in the area of Göttingen, Germany, were eligible for enrolment in the study. 15% (n = 90) of all patients were adult men. General practitioners (GPs) were instructed to manage patients as usual. Patient characteristics, dipstick tests and treatment were matched with results of urine cultures and susceptibility testing. RESULTS: Men presenting with symptoms indicative of UTI were predominantly elderly (median age 61 years) and 41% had additional risk factors. Antibiotics were prescribed for 36%, but these were not well-targeted. Urine culture revealed UTI in 60%, of which half had low colony counts (23% of all patients) or multiple bacterial growth (7%); 40% had sterile urine. Dipstick tests proved unhelpful: leukocytes and nitrite had sensitivities of 54% and 38%, specificities of 55% and 84%, positive predictive values of 65% and 78% and negative predictive values of 44% and 46%, respectively. Resistance levels were 53% for amoxicillin and cefaclor, 28% for cefixim, 22% for ciprofloxacin, 34% for…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 90 participants or records.

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