Decoding urinary tract infections: pathogen profiles and antimicrobial resistance in a cross-sectional study
Abstract Background Antibiotic resistance represents a significant global health challenge, particularly in urinary tract infections, which pose a significant threat in developing countries. Understanding antimicrobial susceptibility patterns is essential for optimizing treatment strategies. The cur...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
SpringerOpen
2025-05-01
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| Series: | African Journal of Urology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12301-025-00508-8 |
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| Summary: | Abstract Background Antibiotic resistance represents a significant global health challenge, particularly in urinary tract infections, which pose a significant threat in developing countries. Understanding antimicrobial susceptibility patterns is essential for optimizing treatment strategies. The current study aims to assess the bacterial profiles of urinary tract infections and their resistance patterns to commonly used antibiotics. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Smart Health Tower, Iraq, from March to July 2024, analyzing 1,185 urine culture reports for identification and antibiotic resistance. All age groups were included, with no restrictions on medical conditions. Microbial isolation and susceptibility testing were performed using standard techniques and the BD Phoenix™ 50 system. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was defined as resistance to three or more antibiotic classes. Results Of the reports analyzed, 651 (55%) showed growth. The most frequently isolated pathogens were Escherichia coli (246, 37.8%) and Staphylococcus species (111, 17.0%). Regarding antibiotic resistance, resistance rates of 93.3% among gram-positive to nalidixic acid, and 89.8% among gram-negative to ampicillin were observed. Overall, 57.3% of isolates were MDR, with higher rates in gram-positive bacteria (193, 67.7%) than in gram-negative bacteria (180, 49.9%). Specifically, 113 (46%) of the Escherichia coli and 36 (59.0%) of the Klebsiella species were MDR. Conclusions The high prevalence of antibiotic resistance and MDR strains limits treatment options, highlighting the urgent need for updated empirical therapy guidelines, enhanced antimicrobial stewardship, and continuous surveillance programs. These findings emphasize the necessity of targeted interventions to curb resistance and improve patient outcomes. |
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| ISSN: | 1961-9987 |