[Urinary infections. Outpatient antibiotic sensitivity in the province of Girona].

OBJECTIVE

To discover the level of autochthonous urinary microflora and their sensitivity to antimicrobials, at the primary care level.

DESIGN

A descriptive and retrospective study of a sequential sampling of urine cultures in primary care (during July, August and September, 1991). SITE. Primary care in the Province of Girona.

PATIENTS AND OTHER

PARTICIPANTS

700 individuals between one month and 91 years, with positive urine cultures. 19% men, 68% women, 13% not specified.

MAIN MEASUREMENTS AND

RESULTS

76% of the urine cultures studied contained E. coli. The proportion of Proteus and Pseudomonas is higher in the pediatric group. We detected a low sensitivity in those with urinary pathologies to ampicillin and cotrimoxazole; lower sensitivity to pipemidic acid with regards to norfloxacin; and high sensitivity to first--and second-generation cephalosporins.

CONCLUSIONS

Only the knowledge of the sensitivity of pathogenic germs to antimicrobials in a specific medium can allow us to use antibiotics rationally. Knowledge can be increased by working out prospective diagnostic and treatment procedures, which could substantially improve the delivery of primary care medicines.