Chromogenic versus Conventional: A Comparative Analysis for Uropathogen Detection in Paediatrics at a Tertiary Centre

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common bacterial infection in children, often presenting with non-specific symptoms such as undiagnosed fever and gastrointestinal issues. Early detection and treatment are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality. Aims: This study aimed to compare conventional culture media with chromogenic culture methods for detecting uropathogens and to identify the causative pathogens in pediatric patients at a tertiary care hospital. Patients and Methods: The study was conducted over 18 months in the department of microbiology at a tertiary care hospital, involving 400 pediatric patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Urine samples were collected and promptly processed, then inoculated on various media, including blood agar, MacConkey agar, cysteine lactose electrolyte deficient agar, and UTI chromogenic agar. Bacterial isolates were identified using standard bacteriological techniques, and their antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. Results: Escherichia coli was the most prevalent Gram-negative organism detected on both conventional and UTI chromogenic agar. UTI chromogenic agar showed greater efficiency in isolating and presumptively identifying uropathogens. E. coli isolates demonstrated high susceptibility to key antimicrobial agents. Enterococcus spp. were completely sensitive to vancomycin and linezolid, while nitrofurantoin was effective in 57.14% of cases. Conclusion: UTI chromogenic agar is an effective alternative to conventional media, offering advantages in isolating and presumptively identifying uropathogens. Its enhanced sensitivity, particularly for Gram-positive cocci like Enterococcus spp. in mixed cultures, provides valuable support to clinicians for early UTI diagnosis and treatment decisions.