FROM SAMPLE TO SOLUTION: SURVEILLANCE OF UTI BACTERIA AND THEIR ANTIBIOTIC SENSITIVITY IN NORTHWEST INDIA

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections worldwide, with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) posing a growing challenge to effective treatment. This study aimed to assess the culture and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of uropathogens isolated from urine samples in Northwest India, to inform local empirical treatment strategies. Methods: A total of 298 midstream urine samples from patients with suspected UTIs were analyzed between January and December 2023. Standard microbiological protocols were used for quantitative culture and organism identification. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, adhering to CLSI guidelines. Results: Gram-negative organisms accounted for 90.2% of isolates, with Escherichia coli being the most prevalent (51%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (19%) and Pseudomonas spp. (12%). E. coli demonstrated high sensitivity to fosfomycin (91%), nitrofurantoin (80%), and imipenem (71%), but high resistance to ampicillin (93%) and ciprofloxacin (88%). Klebsiella spp. showed moderate sensitivity to fosfomycin and doxycycline (59% each). Among Gram-positive isolates (9.7%), Enterococcus spp. were most susceptible to linezolid (93%) and vancomycin (86%). A concerning degree of resistance was observed across both Gram-negative and Gram-positive organisms. Conclusion: This study reveals a high prevalence of multidrug-resistant uropathogens in Northwest India, emphasizing the need for regular surveillance and region-specific antibiograms to guide empirical antibiotic therapy. Strengthening antimicrobial stewardship is critical to curb the rise of resistance.