Updated: Apr 27, 2009
The consideration of male urinary tract infection (UTI) is complicated by the overlap with what might be termed reproductive tract infections. For the purposes of this article, the male UTI includes infections that arise from bacterial colonization of the urinary tract proper (ie, kidney, ureter, bladder). Infections of contiguous structures, for example, urethritis, epididymitis, prostatitis, or orchitis, are covered in other articles.
As with females, the usual route of inoculation in males is with gram-negative aerobic bacilli from the gut, with Escherichia coli being the most common offending organism. Bacterial cystitis in the male is uncommon in the absence of anatomic abnormality, defect in bladder emptying mechanism, or urethral catheterization. In the normal host, urinary tract infection (UTI) may occur due to infection of other portions of the genitourinary tract, typically the prostate. Older males with prostatic hypertrophy have incomplete bladder emptying, predisposing them to UTI on the basis of urinary stasis. However, in males aged 3 months to 50 years, incidence of UTI is low; therefore, the possibility of an anatomical abnormality must be entertained in this age group.
The frequency of male urinary tract infection (UTI) is related to age (see Age below).
In developed countries, the incidence of urinary tract infection in males is similar to that in the United States. However, in developing countries where men have shorter life spans, the incidence of urinary tract infection due to prostatic hypertrophy is lower.
Otherwise healthy males without anatomical abnormality who promptly seek treatment experience little morbidity besides the discomfort of an infection.
Although this article exclusively addresses urinary tract infection (UTI) in males, the clinician should appreciate that the incidence of UTI is much higher in females during adolescence and childbearing years. The incidence of UTI in men approaches that of women only in men older than 60 years.
The incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI) has an early peak during the first 3 months of life. In neonates, a UTI occurs more frequently in boys than in girls (with a male-to-female ratio of 1.5:1), and it is often part of the syndrome of gram-negative sepsis.
Physical findings of urinary tract infection may include the following:
| Aneurysm, Abdominal | Inflammatory Bowel Disease |
| Appendicitis, Acute | Obstruction, Large Bowel |
| Back Pain, Mechanical | Obstruction, Small Bowel |
| Chlamydia | Orchitis |
| Constipation | Prostatitis |
| Diverticular Disease | Renal Calculi |
| Epididymitis | Testicular Torsion |
| Gastritis and Peptic Ulcer Disease | Trauma, Lower Genitourinary |
| Gastroenteritis | Trauma, Upper Genitourinary |
| Gonorrhea | Urethritis, Male |
Patients who are well appearing, have stable vital signs, are able to maintain oral hydration and comply with oral therapy, and have no significant comorbid conditions can be discharged home with adequate follow-up arranged in 48-72 hours.
If the patient appears toxic, is unable to tolerate fluids by mouth, has significant comorbid disease, or otherwise is unable to care for himself at home, consider inpatient admission.
In adult males with a urinary tract infection (UTI), an underlying anatomical abnormality should be suspected. Consultation with a urologist is necessary. However, this can be completed on an outpatient basis.
The goals of treatment are to resolve infection of the upper and lower urinary tract and relieve the signs and symptoms associated with urinary tract infection (UTI) in the male patient.
Empiric antimicrobial therapy must be comprehensive and should cover all likely pathogens in the context of the clinical setting.
Indicated for pseudomonal infections and infections due to multidrug-resistant gram-negative organisms.
250-500 mg PO bid for 10-14 d/400 mg IV bid for 10-14 d
<18 years: Indicated for complicated UTI only; 6-10 mg/kg IV q8h or 10-20 mg/kg PO q12h for 10-14 d
>18 years: Administer as in adults
Antacids, iron salts, and zinc salts may interfere with GI absorption, resulting in decreased serum levels (administer antacids 2-4 h before or after fluoroquinolone); cimetidine may interfere with metabolism; may reduce therapeutic effects of phenytoin; probenecid may significantly increase serum concentrations; may increase theophylline and caffeine concentrations and prolong their duration of action; may increase nephrotoxic effect of cyclosporine; may increase digoxin serum levels (monitor digoxin levels); may increase effects of anticoagulants (monitor PT)
Documented hypersensitivity
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
In prolonged therapy, perform periodic evaluations of organ system functions including renal, hepatic, and hematopoietic; patients with renal function impairment may require dose adjustment; prolonged or repeated antibiotic therapy may result in bacterial or fungal overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, resulting in secondary infections, including C difficile; take appropriate measures to prevent further complications
A fluoroquinolone with better gram-positive activity but less activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Active L-isomer of ofloxacin.
250-500 mg PO/IV qd for 10-14 d
<18 years: Not FDA approved for complicated UTI
>18 years: Administer as in adults
Antacids, iron salts, and zinc salts may reduce serum levels; administer antacids 2-4 h before or after taking fluoroquinolones; cimetidine may interfere with metabolism of fluoroquinolones; levofloxacin reduces therapeutic effects of phenytoin; probenecid may increase levofloxacin serum concentrations; may increase toxicity of theophylline, caffeine, cyclosporine, and digoxin (monitor digoxin levels); may increase effects of anticoagulants (monitor PT)
Documented hypersensitivity
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
In prolonged therapy, perform periodic evaluations of organ system functions including renal, hepatic, and hematopoietic; patients with renal function impairment may require dose adjustment; prolonged or repeated antibiotic therapy may result in bacterial or fungal overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, resulting in secondary infections, including C difficile; take appropriate measures to prevent further complications
Inhibits bacterial synthesis of dihydrofolic acid by competing with para-aminobenzoic acid. Results in inhibition of bacterial growth.
Antibacterial activity of TMP-SMZ includes common urinary tract pathogens, except Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
160 mg TMP/800 mg SMZ PO q12h for 10-14 d
Alternatively: 8-10 mg TMP/40-50 mg/kg/d SMZ IV divided q6-12 h
<2 months: Do not administer
>2 months: 8 mg/kg TMP/40 mg/kg SMZ divided bid
May increase PT of patients on warfarin (perform coagulation tests and adjust dose accordingly); coadministration with dapsone may increase blood levels of both drugs; diuretics increase incidence of thrombocytopenia purpura in elderly persons; may increase phenytoin levels; may potentiate effects of methotrexate in bone marrow depression; may increase hypoglycemic response to sulfonylureas; may increase levels of zidovudine
Documented hypersensitivity; megaloblastic anemia caused by folate deficiency; pregnant patients at term; breastfeeding mothers
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Discontinue at first appearance of skin rash or sign of adverse reaction; obtain CBCs frequently; discontinue therapy if significant hematologic changes occur; sulfonamides may cause goiter production, diuresis, and hypoglycemia; prolonged IV infusions or high doses may cause bone marrow depression (if signs occur, give 5-15 mg/d leucovorin); AIDS patients may not tolerate or respond to TMP-SMZ; caution in renal or hepatic impairment (perform urinalyses and renal function tests during therapy); administer fluids to prevent crystalluria and stone formation
Third-generation cephalosporin that has broad gram-negative spectrum, lower efficacy against gram-positive organisms, and higher efficacy against resistant organisms. By binding to one or more penicillin-binding proteins, arrests bacterial cell wall synthesis and inhibits bacterial growth.
Severe infections: 1-2 g IV qd or divided bid; not to exceed 4 g/d
Serious infections: 50-75 mg/kg/d IV divided bid; not to exceed 2 g/d
Aminoglycosides increase nephrotoxic potential; probenecid increases effects by decreasing clearance
Documented hypersensitivity
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
Adjust dose in severe renal impairment
Bactericidal, exerting effect by inhibition of enzymes responsible for cell wall synthesis.
1 g IV/IM q8-12h; max 6 g/d
100-150 mg/kg/d IV/IM divided q8-12h
Nephrotoxicity has been reported following concomitant administration of cephalosporins with aminoglycoside antibiotics or potent diuretics such as furosemide; chloramphenicol has been demonstrated to be antagonistic to beta-lactam antibiotics, including ceftazidime, based on in vitro studies and time kill curves with enteric gram-negative bacilli; because of possibility of antagonism in vivo, particularly when bactericidal activity is desired, avoid this drug combination
Documented hypersensitivity
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
Reduce total daily dosage in patients with renal insufficiency; cephalosporins may be associated with decreased prothrombin activity; those at risk include patients with renal and hepatic impairment, poor nutritional state, and those receiving a protracted course of antimicrobial therapy; caution in individuals with history of GI disease, particularly colitis
Aminoglycoside used for gram-negative bacterial coverage with better pseudomonal coverage than gentamicin. Commonly used in combination with both agent against gram-positive organisms and one that covers anaerobes. Consider using when penicillins or other less-toxic drugs are contraindicated, when bacterial susceptibility tests and clinical judgment indicate its use, and in mixed infections caused by susceptible strains of staphylococci and gram-negative organisms. Dosing regimens are numerous and are adjusted based on creatinine clearance and changes in volume of distribution.
Serious infections and normal renal function: 1-1.7 mg/kg IV/IM q8h
Extended-dosing regimen for life-threatening infections: 5-7 mg/kg IV/IM q24h
Follow each regimen by at least a trough level drawn on third or fourth dose (0.5 h before dosing); may draw peak level 0.5 h after 30-min infusion, adjust dose if obese or renal impairment
Normal renal function: 2.5 mg/kg IV/IM q8h
Adjust dose if obese or renal impairment
Other aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, penicillins, and amphotericin B may increase nephrotoxic potential; may increase effects of neuromuscular blocking agents (prolonged respiratory depression may occur); loop diuretics may result in increased auditory toxicity (hearing loss of varying degrees may occur and may be irreversible; monitor patients regularly)
Documented hypersensitivity; non–dialysis-dependent renal insufficiency
D - Fetal risk shown in humans; use only if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Because of narrow therapeutic index and toxicity associated with extended administration, not recommended for long-term therapy; exercise caution when administering to patients with renal failure (not on dialysis), hypocalcemia, myasthenia gravis, or conditions that depress neuromuscular transmission; adjust dose in patients with renal impairment and obese patients
Bactericidal activity results from inhibition of cell wall synthesis and is mediated through ertapenem binding to penicillin-binding proteins. Stable against hydrolysis by a variety of beta-lactamases including penicillinases, cephalosporinases, and extended-spectrum beta-lactamases. Hydrolyzed by metallo-beta-lactamases.
1 g qd for up to 14 d if given IV and up to 7 d if given IM; infuse over 30 min if given IV
Not established; use in patients <18 y is not recommended
Probenecid may reduce renal clearance of ertapenem and increase half-life but benefit is minimum and does not justify coadministration
Documented hypersensitivity
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
Pseudomembranous colitis may occur; seizures and CNS adverse reactions may occur; when using with lidocaine to administer intramuscularly, avoid inadvertent injection into blood vessel
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urinary tract infection men, UTI, cystitis, pyelonephritis, Escherichia coli infection, gonococcal urethritis, nongonococcal urethritis, prostatitis, epididymitis, orchitis, dysuria, urgency, frequency, nocturia, hematuria, prostatic enlargement, urinary dribbling, urinary hesitancy, indwelling catheter, Foley catheter, nephrolithiasis, neurogenic bladder, meatal discharge, scrotal hematoma, hydrocele, costovertebral angle tenderness, CVA tenderness, prostatic tenderness, prostatic hypertrophy
David S Howes, MD, Residency Program Director, Professor of Medicine, Section of Emergency Medicine, University of Chicago/Pritzker School of Medicine
David S Howes, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Emergency Physicians, American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
M Tyson Pillow, MD, Emergency Medicine Resident and Flight Physician, University of Chicago Medical Center
M Tyson Pillow, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Air Medical Physician Association, American College of Emergency Physicians, American Medical Association, American Medical Student Association/Foundation, Emergency Medicine Residents Association, Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, and Student National Medical Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Joseph A Salomone, III, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Truman Medical Center, University of Missouri at Kansas City School of Medicine
Joseph A Salomone, III, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Emergency Medicine, Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, and Southern Medical Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Richard H Sinert, DO, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Research Director, State University of New York College of Medicine; Consulting Staff, Department of Emergency Medicine, Kings County Hospital Center
Richard H Sinert, DO is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Physicians and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
John D Halamka, MD, MS, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Chief Information Officer, CareGroup Healthcare System and Harvard Medical School; Attending Physician, Division of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
John D Halamka, MD, MS is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Emergency Physicians, American Medical Informatics Association, Phi Beta Kappa, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Jonathan Adler, MD, Attending Physician, Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital; Division of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Jonathan Adler, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Emergency Medicine and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Disclosure: eMedicine.com, Inc. Consulting fee Consulting
Clinical guidelines
Prevention of catheter-associated urinary tract infections. In: Prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections in Massachusetts. Prevention of catheter-associated urinary tract infections. In: Betsy Lehman Center for Patient Safety and Medical Error Reduction, JSI Research and Training Institute, Inc. Prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections in Massachusetts. Part 1: final recommendations of the Expert Panel. Boston (MA): Massachusetts Department of Public Health; 2008 Jan 31. p. 83-9.
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