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

• Significant differences in UTI outcomes exist between elderly and younger patients. • Recurrent and antibiotic-resistant infections are common in elderly patients. • Continuous surveillance of antibiotic resistance patterns is crucial. • Age, gender, diabetes, BMI & immunosuppression are risk factors for UTI recurrence. • Comprehensive management is needed to address UTI recurrence in older people. This study compares the incidence, clinical features, microbial profiles, and outcomes of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in patients aged 65 and older versus those younger than 65. A longitudinal cohort of 1123 patients was divided into Group A (≥65 years, n=560) and Group B (<65 years, n=563) and followed for two years. The study analyzed UTI incidence, clinical features, microbial profiles, and outcomes, including recurrence and antibiotic resistance. Over two years, Group A had a significantly higher UTI incidence (38.0%) compared to Group B (12.8%) (p <0.0001). Complete recovery was less common in Group A (44.6%) than in Group B (70.83%), while 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 gender, diabetes, immunosuppression, and renal stones. 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.