Algorithms Using Previous Resistance, Prior Antimicrobial Prescriptions, and Patient Place of Residence Enhance Empirical Therapy for Women With Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections

摘要

OBJECTIVE To evaluate how previous antimicrobial resistance, prior prescription data, and patient place of residence (ZIP code) can guide empirical therapy for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTI). Guidelines recommend empirical antimicrobial selection for women with symptoms of uncomplicated UTIs, most commonly trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (SXT), nitrofurantoin (NIT), or ciprofloxacin (CIP). Previous antimicrobial resistance and prior prescription data are potential predictors of resistance in subsequent urine cultures for UTIs. Also, there is evidence of geographic clustering of antimicrobial resistance for UTIs.