Antibiotic Resistance in Escherichia coli Isolated from Patients with Urinary Tract Infections

Microbiology

The aim is to investigate the bacterial etiology of urinary tract infections (UTIs) at Al-Rifai Teaching Hospital and to analyze the epidemiologic and microbiologic characteristics of Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolates from these infections. Bacterial identification was performed using standard culture methods and biochemical profiling, while antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed through the disk diffusion method. The findings indicated that E. coli was the predominant pathogen, accounting for the majority of UTI cases, with a higher incidence in women (65%) compared to men (35%). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that E. coli exhibited the lowest susceptibility rates to Cefepime (CIP), Cefixime (CFM), Ciprofloxacin (CRO), and Cefotaxime (CTX). In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of evaluating the etiology of urinary tract infections and their antimicrobial resistance patterns, particularly in regions like Al-Rifai, where antibiotic misuse is prevalent. Continuous monitoring of susceptibility profiles is essential to inform effective treatment protocols and mitigate the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance.

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