Frequency of Bacterial Etiological Factors and Antibiotic Resistance of Infections Caused by Urinary Catheters in Patients in Khorramabad City: A Retrospective Study

Background: The use of urinary catheters is considered one of the most significant factors contributing to urinary tract infections (UTIs), particularly when catheters are used for prolonged periods. Understanding the patterns of catheter-related UTIs and the associated antibiotic resistance is crucial for effective prevention and treatment. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of bacterial causes and antibiotic resistance in catheter-associated UTIs among patients hospitalized in Khorramabad teaching hospitals during 2022 - 2023. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed patient records of individuals with urinary catheters in Khorramabad teaching hospitals. A researcher-designed checklist collected data on patient demographics (age and sex), medical history, length of hospital stay, hospital department, bacterial pathogens identified from cultures, and antibiotic resistance profiles. Data analysis was performed using Stata version 16. Results: The most frequently isolated pathogens in catheter-associated UTIs were Escherichia coli (41.20%), Staphylococcus saprophyticus (20.80%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (18.40%). Among antibiotics, amoxicillin (59.2%) and ampicillin (53.6%) showed the highest rates of resistance, while imipenem (11.6%) and amikacin (17.6%) exhibited the lowest resistance rates. A statistically significant correlation (P < 0.05) was observed between antibiotic resistance to amoxicillin, ampicillin, and imipenem and a history of prior antibiotic use. Conclusions: The findings suggest that amikacin and imipenem are effective options for initiating empirical therapy for catheter-associated UTIs until antibiogram results become available. Given the importance of emerging antibiotic resistance and the evolving susceptibility patterns of bacterial pathogens, performing antibiogram testing is essential for optimizing treatment outcomes in these infections.