ISOLATION, IDENTIFICATION, AND ANTIMICROBIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERN OF ESCHERICHIA COLI ISOLATED FROM URINARY TRACT INFECTION (UTI) SAMPLES IN DISTRICT PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Escherichia coli is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped, aerobic, facultative anaerobe, having a mutualistic, commensal, and opportunistic pathogenic relationship with its host. This bacterium has developed resistance to various antibiotics. Resistance to antibiotics remains the world's most vital public health issue. This study analyzed 50 UTI-positive specimens to assess E. coli infection patterns and antibiotic resistance profiles. Findings revealed that individuals aged 21-50 years were more susceptible to E.coli  infections, with a higher prevalence among females compared to males. The isolated E.coli strains were cultured and tested against 19 antibiotics. Cefoperazone, Imipenem, and Tigecycline exhibited 100% effectiveness, while Nitrofurantoin (98%), Piperacillin (98%), and Fosfomycin (90%) showed high sensitivity. Gentamycin (80%) and Doxycycline (52%) were intermediate in effectiveness, whereas Ciprofloxacin (46%), Levofloxacin (46%), Cepotaxime (36%), Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (30%), Ampicillin (12%), Amoxicillin (12%), and Minocycline (0%) were resistant. These results highlight the growing antibiotic resistance in E.coli and underscore the need for prudent antibiotic use and alternative treatment strategies.