Isolation, Identification, and Antibiogram of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Isolated from Ambulatory Patients with Suspected Cases of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are prevalent health issue, with Escherichia coli being the primary causative agent. This study aimed to isolate, identify, and evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of uropathogens Escherichia coli (UPEC) from ambulatory patients with suspected cases of UTI. The primary isolation of the UPEC was done using cystine electrolyte deficient agar and MacConkey agar. Different biochemical test was carried out on the isolates for the purpose of characterization and identification. Antibiotics susceptibility test was carried out using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. A total of 366 urine samples were collected and processed, resulting in the identification of 192 UPEC isolates. Other bacterial isolates identified in this study were Klebsiella spp, Enterobacter spp, Acinetobacter spp, Citrobacter spp, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus species, Staphylococcus aureus, Coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CONS), Enterococcus spp and Bacillus spp. High susceptibility was observed to ciprofloxacin (92.7%) and Levofloxacin (85.4%), while significant resistance was noted for ceftriaxone resistance (19%) and Pandrug resistance (2.1%) was observed in UPEC isolates. The findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring of antibiotic resistance patterns to guide effective UTI treatment strategies and mitigate the spread of resistant UPEC strains.