Antibiogram of uropathogens from cases of urinary tract infections in a tertiary care hospital: A cross-sectional study.

Nazia Begum  Mohammed; Richa Choudary Cherukuri; Jyothi  pendyala; K. Parameswari

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1859

Authors

Dr. Nazia Begum Mohammed Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, Guntur Medical College, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Richa Choudary Cherukuri Phase III MBBS Student, Guntur Medical College, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Dr. Jyothi pendyala Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Dr. K. Parameswari Professor, Department of Microbiology, Nimra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ibrahimpatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1859

Keywords:

Urinary tract infections, significant bacteriuria, Escherichia coli, Nitrofurantoin, Klebsiella sps

Abstract

Background
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections affecting people of all ages. The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance among uropathogens presents a major clinical challenge, particularly in empirical treatment. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of uropathogens and evaluate their antibiotic susceptibility patterns in a tertiary care setting.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted at a government tertiary care hospital in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, India. A total of 100 urine samples from patients suspected of UTIs were collected and cultured using standard microbiological techniques. Isolated bacterial pathogens were identified, and their antibiotic susceptibility profiles were determined using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Data were recorded and analyzed using Microsoft Excel, and results were expressed in percentages and graphically represented.

Results
Out of 100 urine samples analyzed, 34% showed significant bacteriuria. Among the 34 positive isolates, 91.2% (31/34) were Gram-negative bacteria. Escherichia coli was the most prevalent uropathogen, accounting for 48.4% (15/31) of Gram-negative isolates, followed by Klebsiella species at 22.6% (7/31). Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed the highest sensitivity to Nitrofurantoin (79.4%, 27/34), followed by Carbapenems (64.7%, 22/34). Resistance was notably high against commonly used antibiotics such as Ampicillin and third-generation Cephalosporins.

Conclusion
The findings underscore the dominance of Gram-negative bacteria, particularly E. coli, in UTIs and the growing resistance to frequently prescribed antibiotics. Nitrofurantoin and Carbapenems demonstrated relatively high effectiveness against the isolated strains, suggesting their continued role in empirical therapy. Regular surveillance and antibiogram development are essential to guide appropriate antibiotic use and combat rising antimicrobial resistance.

Recommendations
Promote local antibiogram usage, restrict empirical antibiotic misuse, encourage stewardship programs, update treatment guidelines periodically, and educate healthcare professionals continuously.

Author Biographies

Dr. Nazia Begum Mohammed, Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, Guntur Medical College, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Dr. Nazia Begum Mohammed is currently working as an assistant professor in the Department of Microbiology at Guntur Medical College. She completed her MBBS from Konaseema Institute of Medical Sciences, Amalapuram, and holds her MD in Microbiology from Siddhartha Medical College, Vijayawada. With over 4 years of teaching experience, she successfully guided undergraduate students in research projects for NTR University of Health Sciences. She has contributed to 3 research publications in research publications in reputed journals with a focus on microbiology. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0182-5352

Richa Choudary Cherukuri, Phase III MBBS Student, Guntur Medical College, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Richa Choudary Cherukuri is currently pursuing an MBBS degree as a phase three medical student at Guntur Medical College, Guntur. She has done 2 research projects under NTR University of Health Sciences at the undergraduate level. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-1969-0334

Dr. Jyothi pendyala, Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Dr. Jyothi Pendyala is currently working as an associate professor in the department of Microbiology at Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam. She completed her MBBS from Guntur Medical College, Guntur, and holds her MD in Microbiology from Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam. With over 12 years of teaching experience, she successfully guided undergraduate students in UGSRS projects and postgraduate dissertations. She authored 6 research publications in reputed journals focusing on Microbiology. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8193-6202

Dr. K. Parameswari, Professor, Department of Microbiology, Nimra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ibrahimpatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Dr.K. Parameswari is currently serving as Professor, Department of Microbiology, Nimra Medical College, Ibrahimpatnam. She completed her MBBS and MD in Microbiology from Rangaraya Medical College, Kakinada. With over 24 years of experience, she successfully guided undergraduate students in UGSRS projects and postgraduate dissertations. She authored 15 research publications in reputed journals focusing on Microbiology.

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