Escherichia coli, an important Uropathogen: Characteristics and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern at Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah General Hospital, period January 2020 – December, 2021

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infections globally, often treated empirically with broad-spectrum antibiotics without prior culture and sensitivity testing. This practice has contributed to the rise in antibiotic resistance. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the primary pathogen in uncomplicated UTIs, accounting for 70–90% of cases. However, other bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, and Enterococcus faecalis are also significant, especially in complicated or healthcare-associated UTIs. This study examines the resistance patterns of E. coli in UTI cases. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary data from medical records of UTI patients treated at Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah General Hospital from January 2020 to December 2021. E. coli isolates were identified, and antibiotic sensitivity tests were performed using the VITEK® 2 compact automatic system, with antimicrobial sensitivity and resistance determined according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Result: Analysis of 639 UTI patients revealed that E. coli exhibited high resistance to cefixime (13.3%), ciprofloxacin (23.8%), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (35.2%). The highest levels of susceptibility were observed with Tigecycline, Meropenem, and Ertapenem, with rates ranging from 99.2% to 99.8%. The demographic data showed a higher incidence of UTIs in female patients (70.9%) compared to males (29.1%), with the majority of cases occurring in adults (94.52%). Additionally, 52.26% of the E. coli isolates were ESBL-producing strains, complicating treatment options. Conclusion: The study underscores the urgent need for judicious antibiotic use, guided by culture and sensitivity testing, to combat the rising threat of antibiotic-resistant UTIs. Tigecycline, Meropenem, and Ertapenem should be prioritized in treatment protocols for multidrug-resistant cases. Continuous surveillance and the development of new antimicrobial agents are essential to address this escalating public health challenge