Uncomplicated Cystitis

Abstract

Acute, uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections in women are among the most common infections encountered by family physicians. Such infections have also been associated with considerable "over-use" of antibiotics, both in terms of quantity and choice. As a result, limiting antimicrobial use to only 3 days in such cases is one of the targets in UK plans to address the antimicrobial resistance challenge and this has been endorsed by Australian commentators. Concerns have been expressed about the extent to which newer agents such the fluoroquinolones (e.g. ciprofloxacin) are being used as first-line agents in uncomplicated cases. Both duration of therapy and choice have been shown to be amenable to intervention, either by quality assurance means, or by changing reimbursement policies.