Prevalence and Antibiotics Susceptibility Pattern of Escherichia coli Isolated From Urine Samples of Urinary Tract Infection Patients

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common bacterial infection affecting the bladder, urethra, and kidneys, caused mainly by organisms like E. coli. Prompt treatment is crucial to prevent complications, given the rising antibiotic resistance. Gram-negative bacteria, especially E. coli, are predominant, posing challenges for treatment. Multidrug resistance (MDR) in E. coli complicates management, leading to increased costs and mortality rates, notably in developing countries like Bangladesh. Continuous monitoring of antibiotic susceptibility is vital to combat MDR strains. However, resistance rates vary globally, necessitating region-specific strategies for effective UTI management and antibiotic use.

Aim of the study: The study aims to assess the prevalence and resistance profiles of E. coli isolates causing UTIs in patients.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at the Department of Nephrology, Medical College for Women & Hospital, Dhaka Bangladesh. During 1 year from January 2023 to December 2023, 550 urine samples were collected from UTI patients attending to the hospital.Out of these, 120 patients were confirmed with UTI. Samples were collected in the morning, stored properly, and subjected to microbial culture. Escherichia coli was isolated and identified using standard methods. Sensitivity to various antibiotics was tested, following EUCAST guidelines. Data were analyzed using SPSS, with results presented in tables and graphs.
Result: The study focused on urinary tract infections (UTIs), revealing a high prevalence among individuals aged 51-60 years. Females comprised the majority of cases (85%), with Escherichia coli being the predominant pathogen (75.83%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (8.33%). Other significant contributors included Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. Antibiotic resistance patterns of E. coli were analyzed, showing high sensitivity to meropenem (90%) and nitrofurantoin (80%), among others. However, resistance was notably high against ampicillin (100%) and several cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones (70% each). Intermediate sensitivity was observed for certain antibiotics.

Conclusion: This study highlights the prevalence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), especially in the 51-60 age group. E. coli exhibits high resistance to common antibiotics, emphasizing the need for judicious antibiotic use and surveillance to optimize treatment strategies and reduce morbidity and mortality rates associated with UTIs.

Keywords: Prevalence, Antibiotics, Susceptibility Pattern, E. Coli, and UIT.