Assessment of antibioticssensitivity and resistance in Escherichia Coli isolated from patients diagnosed with urinary tract infections

Abstract

Escherichia coli ( E. coli ), a ubiquitous bacterium in the human gut, is a joint causative agent of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). Despite its typical role in maintaining gut health, certain strains can invade the urinary tract, leading to infections. This investigation’s principal objectives were to isolate these pathogenic E. coli strains from UTI patients, evaluate their susceptibility to an array of pre-selected antibiotics, and subsequently compare the efficacies of these antibiotics. The study amassed 100 urine specimens from various hospitals, incorporating private and educational institutions. These samples were procured from male and female patients displaying symptoms indicative of a bacterial UTI and validated through microscopic examination. Among these collected specimens, 42 exhibited positive E. coli growth, translating to a 42% infection rate. These were diagnosed with the assistance of the biomerieux vitek 2 system, and antibiotic sensitivities were inferred from the diagnostic analyzer’s data. The results illuminated Meropenem as the most effective antibiotic against the examined bacteria, with a sensitivity profile of 78%. This was followed by Amikacin (74%), Gentamicin (69%), Tobramycin (57%), Cefepime (47%), Ceftazidime (31%), Ciprofloxacin (31%), Aztreonam (28%), Ticarcillin (9.5%), and Piperacillin (7%). By elucidating the sensitivity profiles of several antibiotics on E. coli induced UTIs, this research contributes valuable data to develop more precise and effective treatment