ASSESSMENT OF ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE IN UROPATHOGEN ISOLATES FROM PATIENTS ADMITTED IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a significant public health challenge,
particularly in hospitalized patients where multidrug-resistant pathogens complicate treatment. Aim:
To assess the antimicrobial resistance patterns of bacterial isolates obtained from patients
admitted in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A prospective observational study was
conducted in the Department of Microbiology at [Government general hospital, Kurnool] over
a period of [6 months]. Clinical specimens (urine) were collected from admitted patients.
Isolates were identified using standard microbiological methods, and antimicrobial
susceptibility testing was performed by the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method in accordance
with CLSI guidelines M02,M07,M100 and M45 documents. Results: Among 140 patients,
females were more commonly affected (60%) with a mean age of 42.02 years. Fever was the
most frequent presenting symptom. The predominant pathogen isolated was Escherichia coli
(56 cases), followed by Klebsiella (53 cases). Resistance was categorized as single, dual, or
multidrug resistance, with multidrug resistance being most prevalent (59.3%). Conclusion: The
study highlights the alarming prevalence of multidrug resistance in uropathogens. Strengthening AMR
surveillance, ensuring routine antimicrobial sensitivity testing, and implementing antimicrobial
stewardship programs are essential to guide rational therapy and prevent further spread of resistant
infections.