Assessment of bacteriological and immunological markers in urinary tract infection and the effect of antibiotics on the isolated bacteria.

Abstract

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are recognized as the second most common medical condition, following respiratory infections. Despite the availability of numerous efficacious antibiotics for the management of UTIs, the rising incidence of bacterial resistance presents significant challenges in the treatment of these infections. Bacteria are endowed with the ability to reproduce and develop resistance mechanisms against antibiotics. The current investigation aimed to evaluate the susceptibility of bacterial isolates from urinary tract infections (UTIs) to a variety of antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim, amikacin, gentamicin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, nalidixic acid, nitrofurantoin, meropenem, and novobiocin. Additionally, the study sought to quantify the levels of the inflammatory immune marker interleukin-6 (IL-6) in UTI patients. It also explored the correlation between IL-6 levels in UTI patients and healthy controls, as well as the relationship between IL-6 levels and blood parameters in both infected and healthy individuals. The present study involved the collection of 155 samples from patients diagnosed with urinary tract infections of both genders and varying age groups, ranging from 15 to 75 years, at Salah al-Din General Hospital. The findings revealed that 102 urine samples tested positive for bacterial growth, resulting in a prevalence rate of 68%. In contrast, 53 urine samples were negative for bacterial growth, reflecting a prevalence rate of 32%. The diagnostic outcomes for all isolates, following the application of laboratory diagnostic methodologies, revealed a diverse array of bacterial species, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The immunological analysis revealed a statistically significant increase (p < 0.05) in IL-6 concentrations in the positive control group compared to the levels observed in the infected cohort. Our study concluded that significant antibiotic resistance in UTI pathogens, emphasizing the need for tailored treatments.