Antimicrobial resistance trend of bacterial uropathogens at the university of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital, northwest Ethiopia: A 10 years retrospective study

Urinary tract infection and antimicrobial resistance remains the major problem, with significant health and socioeconomic burden, particularly in developing countries. This infection is commonly caused by Gram-negative bacteria, principally by Escherichia coli. So, this study aimed to determine bacterial isolates and antimicrobial resistance trend among patients with urinary tract infection at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. A retrospective study was conducted from January 1(st) to February 28(th). A ten years (2010-2019) record of urine culture results, the biochemical test and antimicrobial susceptibility test results of isolates were collected from the medical microbiology laboratory register using a checklist. Data quality was checked, entered, and analyzed using SPSS version 23. We have presented results through descriptive tables and graphs. The overall prevalence of urinary tract infection among 4441 patients was 24.1%. Escherichia coli (37.7%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (11.4%), and Staphylococcus aureus (9.1%) were the predominant uropathogens. The infection rate was nearly similar across both sexes but highest in the age group above 60 years. Above 75% of Gram-negative isolates were resistant to ampicillin (92.5%), amoxicillin-clavulanate (80.1%), tetracycline (79.3%), cefuroxime (79.2%), and Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (78.3%). Over 2/3 of Gram-positive isolates also showed increased resistance to tetracycline (84.8%) and penicillin (71.6%). Moreover, more than 44% of the isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR). We have seen an inconsistent trend of antimicrobial resistance, with an overall resistance rate of above 50%. In conclusion, the overall prevalence of urinary tract infection was high and elderly patients were most affected. More than 70% of both Gram positive and gram-negative isolates were resistant to penicillin, ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, tetracycline, cefuroxime, Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Above than 44% of the isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR). The increasing rate of antimicrobial resistance calls for routine diagnosis and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. A prospective multicenter study indicating the status of resistance should be encouraged.

Automated summary

Urinary tract infection and antimicrobial resistance are major problems, especially in developing countries. This study investigated bacterial isolates and antimicrobial resistance trends among patients with urinary tract infection in a hospital in Ethiopia. The results showed a high prevalence of urinary tract infection, with elderly patients being the most affected. Gram-negative bacteria were the predominant pathogens, and antibiotic resistance was common.