Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections encountered in clinical practice. Rising antimicrobial resistance makes periodic surveillance of uropathogen prevalence and antibiotic sensitivity essential for guiding empirical therapy.
Aim: To determine the spectrum of uropathogens and their antimicrobial sensitivity patterns among patients with suspected UTI in a hospital setting.
Materials & Methods: Prospective cross-sectional study carried out in the Microbiology and Medicine/Nephrology departments over 12 months. Midstream clean-catch urine samples (and catheter specimens where applicable) were cultured. Bacterial isolates were identified and antibiotic susceptibility testing performed using Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion and/or automated methods (VITEK/Microscan) according to CLSI/EUCAST guidelines. Data on demographics, comorbidities, inpatient/outpatient status and prior antibiotic use were collected.
Results (template): Out of ___ samples, ___ (_%) yielded significant bacteriuria. Common isolates: Escherichia coli (%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (%), Enterococcus faecalis (%), Proteus mirabilis (%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (%). High sensitivity observed to nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin for E. coli, while high resistance noted to ampicillin, cotrimoxazole and increasing resistance to fluoroquinolones. ESBL production was seen in __% of Enterobacterales; carbapenem resistance in __% isolates. Vancomycin/linezolid sensitivity retained for Enterococci.
Conclusion: Empirical therapy for uncomplicated UTI should consider local sensitivity — nitrofurantoin or fosfomycin remain good options for community E. coli. Rising ESBL and carbapenem resistance warrant antimicrobial stewardship and regular antibiogram updates.