Final answer:
UTIs are common bacterial infections with higher prevalence in women, given anatomic differences. Bladder infections are the most typical form and risk increases with age, particularly in the elderly with other health issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The epidemiology of urinary tract infections (UTIs) varies significantly with age. UTIs are among the most prevalent bacterial infections, with an especially high incidence in women due to the specifics of female anatomy. Notably, bladder infections are four times more likely in women than in men, and this type of infection is the most common bacterial infection among females. Women have a 1 in 10 chance of experiencing a bladder infection in any given year. There are several risk factors including sexual activity, use of certain contraceptives, diabetes, obesity, and being female.
As individuals age, UTIs can become a serious health concern, especially for the elderly, like in the case of an 81-year-old patient developing a fever, which could be indicative of a UTI. Other factors, such as prolonged use of catheters in elderly patients and changes in the immune system, contribute to the increased risk of UTIs among the elderly. Additionally, antibiotic usage across different age groups can lead to increased resistance, making UTIs more challenging to treat over time.