Aerobic and Anaerobic Microbial Flora in the Urinary Tract of Geriatric Patients during Long-Term Care

Abstract

The aerobic and anaerobic microbial flora in the urine were studied in 44 hospitalized geriatric patients for a five-week period. The results of cultivations performed weekly showed a marked, spontaneous variation in the bacteriological flora, aerobic as well as anaerobic. Anaerobes were especially common in females. Multiple strains of bacteria were found more frequently in female patients. Escherichia coli, Proteus, and enterococci were the most common bacteria in the female patients while in the males E. coli and Proteus prevailed. The fact that the urinary bacterial strains change spontaneously at short intervals makes quantitative cultures and sensitivity tests irrelevant bases for therapy.