Representatives from Malaysian Society of Infection Control and Infectious Diseases (MyICID) and Malaysian Society of Geriatric Medicine (MSGM) gathered at University of Malaya on 8–9 April 2026 for a joint meeting to develop national guidelines on the diagnostic and antibiotic stewardship of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in older adults. The workshop brought together infectious disease specialists, geriatricians, and clinical pharmacists to address the challenges of accurate UTI diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial use in the elderly population.
UTIs in older adults can be difficult to diagnose, as symptoms such as acute delirium may be nonspecific and overlap with other medical conditions. Inappropriate diagnosis may lead to unnecessary antibiotic exposure, antimicrobial resistance, and delayed recognition of other important illnesses. Concerns over increasing multidrug-resistant urinary pathogens, including ESBL- and CRE-producing organisms, further emphasized the need for clearer national guidance.
The two-day workshop successfully completed a draft of the proposed national guideline, focusing on strengthening diagnostic criteria, improving interpretation of urine investigations, promoting appropriate diagnostic practices, and ensuring safe and effective treatment strategies for older adults.
The initiative reflects a strong multidisciplinary commitment to improving elderly care and advancing antimicrobial stewardship practices across Malaysia.
Panel members:
Infectious Diseases Physicians
Dr. Noridah binti Nordin (Chair)
Dr. Loh Jia Hui
Dr. Steven Lim Chee Loon
Dr. Nor Arisah Misnan
Dr. Lim Kah Chuan
Dr. Alif Adlan Mohd Thabit
Dr. Azureen binti Azmel
Dr. Anjanna Kukreja
Dr Suvintheran Thangavelu
Geriatricians
Dr. Kejal a/p Hasmukharay (Co-chair)
Dr. Yusliza Azreen binti Mohd Yusoff
Dr. Rosmahani binti Mohd Ali
Dr. Tan Hui Loo
Clinical Pharmacists
Dr. Rahela Ambaras Khan
Anitha Ramadas
Chew Chia Zin
Siti Mallissa binti Mohd Shariff
Reviewers
Dato.’ Dr. Ker Hong Bee
Dr. Leong Chee Loon
Dr. Benedict Sim Lim Heng
Dr. Edward Chong Kah Chun
