The The prevalence of multidrug-resistant non-lactose bacteria in adult patients with urinary tract infections. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i2.2681Keywords:
Urinary tract infections, multidrug resistance, non-lactose fermenting bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, antimicrobial resistance, Durban, South AfricaAbstract
Introduction:
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections, and the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) non-lactose fermenting (NLF) bacteria has become a major challenge in their management. This study investigated the prevalence of MDR NLF bacteria and identified the predominant bacterial species isolated from UTI patients at a public hospital in Durban, South Africa.
Aim:
To investigate the prevalence of multidrug-resistant non-lactose fermenting (NLF) bacteria in patients diagnosed with UTIs at the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) in Durban, South Africa, and to identify the predominant bacterial species.
Methodology:
This retrospective study utilized laboratory data obtained from the NHLS Academic Affairs and Research Management System (AARMS). Adult patients (≥18 years) diagnosed with UTIs caused by MDR NLF bacteria between January and December 2021 were included. Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were analysed using Microsoft Excel.
Results:
Of the 345 urine culture records reviewed, 46 isolates were identified as NLF bacteria, representing a prevalence of 13.3%. The Acinetobacter baumannii complex was the predominant species (39.1%; 18/46), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (21.7%; 10/46) and Proteus mirabilis (17.4%; 8/46). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed extensive resistance, with cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, tigecycline, imipenem, and nitrofurantoin demonstrating 100% resistance.
Conclusion:
MDR NLF bacteria were prevalent among UTI patients, with the Acinetobacter baumannii complex being the most frequently isolated species. High levels of antimicrobial resistance were observed among the isolates.
Recommendation:
Continuous surveillance of antimicrobial resistance patterns and strengthened antimicrobial stewardship programmes are recommended to guide appropriate antibiotic use and improve the management of UTIs caused by MDR NLF bacteria.
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