Prevalence of Escherichia Coli and Its Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiles among Patients with UTI at Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) remain the most common infections diagnosed in in- and outpatients as well as hospitalized patients. Current knowledge on antimicrobial susceptibility pattern for uropathogens is essential to effectively manage UTIs. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of E. coli and its antimicrobial susceptibility profiles among patients presenting with signs and symptoms of UTI in Mulago Hospital in Uganda. METHODS: Midstream urine samples were collected from 100 patients presenting with signs and symptoms of UTI at the outpatient department of Mulago Hospital. The samples were cultured, and isolates of E. coli and its antimicrobial susceptibility profiles among patients presenting with signs and symptoms of UTI in Mulago Hospital in Uganda. RESULTS: Out of 100 patients studied, E. coli and its antimicrobial susceptibility profiles among patients presenting with signs and symptoms of UTI in Mulago Hospital in Uganda. Escherichia coli isolates were highly susceptible to cefotaxime/clavulanic acid (100%) and nitrofurantoin (70%) but showed high resistance to cefuroxime (100%), ceftazidime (100%), nalidixic acid (90%), and ciprofloxacin (90%). CONCLUSION: Escherichia coli, the predominant uropathogen, showed significant multidrug resistance to antibiotics commonly prescribed for the management of UTIs. These findings should form a basis for preliminary decision making on the appropriate line of treatment for UTIs.Escherichia coli isolates were highly susceptible to cefotaxime/clavulanic acid (100%) and nitrofurantoin (70%) but showed high resistance to cefuroxime (100%), ceftazidime (100%), nalidixic acid (90%), and ciprofloxacin (90%).