Urinary tract infections in the community

: 4,612 urine samples were sent to this laboratory in 1990, and the results of those sent during a single week in each of the 4 seasons were studied. Of 4501 urinary cultures sent from the general population, 811 (80%) were positive for E. coli, Klebsiella and Proteus mirabilis. 60% were resistant to ampicillin, 35% to cotrimoxazole and 20% to cephalexin. Of 111 urine samples sent from senior citizen homes, 57 (80%) were positive for E. coli, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella and Pseudomonas. 74% were resistant to ampicillin, 72% to cotrimoxazole and 46% to cephalexin. Ofloxacin and norfloxacin were very effective in urinary tract infections in the general population, with 94% and 97% sensitive to them, respectively. 68% of the urinary cultures sent from the senior citizen centers were sensitive to each of them.