Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Bacterial Uropathogens Obtained from Patients in Tertiary Healthcare Facilities in Calabar, Southern Nigeria.

BackgroundUrinary tract infections (UTIs) are major health concerns affecting millions of people globally each year, and their management is complicated by increasing resistance to antibiotics among uropathogens. Hence, this study was conducted to determine the status of multidrug resistance (MDR) among bacterial uropathogens from symptomatic patients attending tertiary healthcare facilities in Calabar, Nigeria. MethodsA total of 65 uropathogens isolated from symptomatic UTI patients from tertiary healthcare facilities in Calabar were identified using standard microbiological methods. Gram-negative uropathogens were further confirmed with commercial biochemical test kits: Analytical Profile Index (API) 20E and API 20NE (Bio Merieux). Antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates was determined according to modified Kirby-Bauer method following the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute recommended guidelines. ResultsKlebsiella pneumoniae (23.1%) was the predominant isolate, followed by Staphylococcus sp., (16.9%) and Escherichia coli (12.3%). Other isolates recovered include Enterobacter clocae, Citrobacter freundii, Proteus mirabilis, Serratia marcescens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Cronobacter sp., Enterococcus sp., Citrobacter koseri, and Pseudomonas luteola. Most of the isolates were highly resistant to augmentin, amoxicillin, septrin, ampiclox, erythromycin, and rifampicin. However, bacterial strains were sensitive to levofloxacin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin and sparfloxacin. ConclusionThis research provides an update on the trends in bacterial pathogens causing UTIs, and MDR among uropathogens in different hospitals. This information will assist clinicians in making antibiotic choices in the management of UTIs. To reduce the emergence of resistance in bacterial uropathogens, prudent use of antimicrobial agents is advised.