PREVALENCE AND ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE PATTERN OF E.COLI CAUSING UTI AMONG PATIENTS

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common bacterial infections, with Escherichia coli (E.coli) being the predominant causative agent in both community and hospital settings. The increasing antimicrobial resistance among uropathogenic E.coli poses a significant challenge to effective treatment.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance pattern of E.coli isolated from urinary tract infection patients at Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted from January 2025 to June 2025. A total of 224 midstream urine samples were collected and processed through standard microbiological techniques for the isolation and identification of E.coli. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the disc diffusion method according to Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26.

Results: Out of 224 urine samples, females (57%) were more frequently affected compared to males (43%), with the most infections observed in the age group of 40–65 years. Most commonly isolated pathogen was E.coli 75 (34%).  E.coli isolates exhibited greatest susceptibility to Amikacin (94%), Imipenem (93%), Meropenem (92%), urinary antiseptics Nitrofurantoin and Fosfomycin (82%) and (81%), and Gentamicin (72%). Highest rates of resistance were seen among Ciprofloxacin (18%) and Levofloxacin (14%). The chi-square test indicated a significant association between gender and UTI occurrence (p-value < 0.05).

Conclusion: The study shows a high prevalence of UTI especially among female patients. The most commonly isolated pathogen remains to be E.coli. Aminoglycosides, Carbapenems, and and urinary antiseptics remain to be the most effective treatment option against resistant uropathgenic E.coli. However, owing to the increased antimicrobial resistance, it is extremely important to undergo routine culture and sensitivity testing before commencing antibiotic therapy.

Keywords: E.coli, Antimicrobial Resistance, UPEC, UTI, Carbapenems