A comparative analysis of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli in urinary tract infections among males and females (2022–2023)

Hussein Abd Ali Mohammed Sadeq Al Her, College of pharmacy, University of Karbala , Karbala, Iraq.Follow
Ekhlas Abdulameer Hameed Alazzawi, College of pharmacy, University of Karbala, Karbala, Iraq.Follow
Yehia Ali Hadi Al-Qhadi, College of pharmacy, University of Karbala, Karbala, Iraq.Follow

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Background: Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is a primary cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) globally. The increasing antibiotic resistance of UPEC strains poses a significant challenge for treatment in countries like Iraq. Aim: The study aims to evaluate antimicrobial resistance patterns of Escherichia coli (E. coli) among UTI patients, considering age and sex, and to compare these findings with data from other geographical locations. Methods: Our study investigated antibiotic resistance patterns among E. coli strains responsible for UTIs in patients at Karbala Teaching Hospital for Children, Iraq. We specifically examined age and sex differences. Data on 144 E. coli isolates were collected and analyzed for their susceptibility to six antibiotics from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2023. Results: There were no statistically significant sex-based differences in antibiotic resistance. Ceftriaxone (76%) and nalidixic acid (67%) demonstrated the highest resistance rates among the tested antibiotics in both sexes. In contrast, amikacin (91%) and gentamicin (60%) exhibited higher sensitivity rates compared to other antibiotics. A general trend of increasing antibiotic resistance with age was evident, particularly pronounced for nalidixic acid and ceftriaxone. Conclusion: Amikacin consistently demonstrated relatively low resistance rates across all age groups. Infants under one year of age displayed heightened susceptibility to certain antibiotics, as reflected in lower resistance rates. Conversely, nalidixic acid and ceftriaxone exhibited notably elevated resistance rates across all age groups.

Keywords

urinary tract infection, UPEC, multidrug resistance, antibiotic sensitivity, antibiotic resistance

Recommended Citation

Abd Ali Mohammed Sadeq Al Her, Hussein; Alazzawi, Ekhlas Abdulameer Hameed; and Al-Qhadi, Yehia Ali Hadi (2025) "A comparative analysis of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli in urinary tract infections among males and females (2022–2023)," Iraqi National Journal of Medicine: Vol. 7 : Iss. 2 , Article 16.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.37319/