Evaluation of clinical, etiological and antimicrobial resistance profile of pediatric urinary tract infections in a secondary health care centre

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infections are common during childhood. The etiologic agents and empirical antibiotics may vary due to age and geographic area. OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to investigate the urinary tract infection pathogens, their antibiotic resistance profile and risk factors in a sample of well-child population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted in the pediatric clinics of a secondary health-care centre in a one-year period. The source of data was hospital and laboratory records. Toilet trained children and adolescents aged between 5–17 years old with positive urine culture were enrolled into the study. Microbiological studies were conducted according to international guidelines. RESULTS: During the study 3640 urine samples were analyzed and 342(9.4%) had significant growth. Gram negative enterobacteria were the most common infectious agents. Antibiotic susceptibility tests showed low cephalosporine resistance unless ESBL was positive. Multi drug resistance was remarkable. Extended beta lactamase resistance rate was 17%. Previous history of antibiotic use before the present administration was the only significant risk factor for ESBL positivity. CONCLUSION: Treating urinary tract infections may become an emerging problem soon. Unless there are risk factors, cephalosporines are good options, but if so nitrofurantoin or carbapanems should be preferred for treatment in this population.