Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern and ESBL Prevalence in Urine Isolates from Hospitalized Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Lucknow

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common cause of morbidity among hospitalized patients.The emergence of extended-spectrum -lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria poses significant challenges in treatment due to their resistance to commonly used antibiotics.This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of uropathogens among inpatients at IIMSR, Lucknow, India, and to evaluate their antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, with special emphasis on ESBL production.Methods: This cross-sectional, observational study was conducted over 6 months from November 2023 to April 2024 at the Department of Microbiology, IIMSR, Lucknow, India.Urine samples from IPD with suspected UTIs were collected and processed for bacterial culture and sensitivity testing.Identification was done by using standard microbiological methods.AST was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, as per CLSI guidelines.ESBL production was detected using the combined disc method.Results: A total of 730 urine samples were analysed; 215 samples were culture-positive.The most isolated bacteria were E. coli (39%) and Enterococcus sp.(38%).Overall, 43% of the isolates were found to be ESBL producers.ESBL-producing strains showed high resistance to -lactam/-lactamase inhibitor and Cephalosporins.Carbapenems and aminoglycosides remained the most effective antibiotics. Conclusion:This study highlights a significant prevalence of ESBL-producing bacteria among UTI patients in the IPD of IIMSR, Lucknow.The high resistance rates to commonly used antibiotics necessitate regular monitoring of antimicrobial sensitivity patterns and the implementation of stringent infection control measures to manage and prevent the spread of resistant strains.