Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of Escherichia coli Isolated from Urinary Tract Infections in Hospitalized Patient

Abstract

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a leading cause of morbidity, with Escherichia coli being the predominant pathogen. The rising trend of antimicrobial resistance in E. coli poses significant therapeutic challenges, particularly in hospitalized patients.

Objective: This study investigated the antimicrobial resistance profiles of E. coli isolated from hospitalized patients with UTIs at Medical City Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq.

Methods: A total of 100 urine samples were collected, and 72 E. coli isolates were confirmed using standard culture techniques and Gram staining. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed against six commonly prescribed antibiotics: ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, ceftriaxone, nitrofurantoin, and imipenem. Resistance patterns were analyzed according to gender and age groups.

Results: Ampicillin (78%) and ciprofloxacin (65%) exhibited the highest resistance rates, while ceftriaxone (48%) and gentamicin (32%) showed moderate resistance. Nitrofurantoin (12%) and imipenem (5%) were the most effective agents. Female patients demonstrated significantly higher resistance to ampicillin and ciprofloxacin (p<0.05). Age-stratified analysis revealed higher resistance in patients >50 years, particularly to ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone. Culture and microscopic evidence confirmed the reliability of E. coli identification.

Keywords:

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), Escherichia coli, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Hospitalized Patients, Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns, Multidrug Resistance (MDR)

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