Prevalence, antimicrobial sensitivity patterns and associated factors of urinary tract infection among patients attending Nekemte Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Western Ethiopia, 2024: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common health problem worldwide, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Data on the prevalence of urinary tract infections, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and the associated factors are scarce in the study area. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and associated factors among urinary tract infections suspected patients.

METHODS

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Nekemte Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, from June to September 2024 among 270 participants. Midstream urine samples were collected under aseptic techniques. Then samples were cultured on blood and MacConkey agars following standard microbiological techniques. Antimicrobial sensitivity testing was performed using the disc diffusion (Kirby-Bauer) method. The data were checked for completeness and consistency, entered into Epi Data version 4.6, and analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the associated factors of urinary tract infections. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULT

Of the total samples collected, 78/270 (28.9%) had significant bacteriuria. Gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria accounted for 67/78 (85.9%) and 11/78 (14.1%), among which Escherichia coli was the most prevalent, 30/78 (38.5%), followed by Klebsiella species, 26/78 (33.3%). Gram-positive isolates were highly susceptible to gentamicin (100%) and clindamycin (88.9%). Gram-negative bacteria showed high-level susceptibility to amikacin (100%), cefepime (93.3%), and gentamicin (91.0%). The total multidrug resistance identified was 44/78 (56.4%). Female gender, a having history of UTI, and antibiotic use without a prescription were statistically significant with UTI. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Most of the isolated uropathogens were multidrug-resistant. A significant association with UTI was observed with being female, having a previous history of UTI, and using antibiotic without a prescription. Treatment of UTI should be supported by culture and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns.