Study prevalence of E. Coli-associated urinary tract infections in Qalat Saleh Hospital / Maysan Province: A cross-sectional study | ||||
| Microbes and Infectious Diseases | ||||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 01 July 2025 | ||||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/mid.2025.393593.2887 | ||||
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| Authors | ||||
Faten AbdulKareem Al-Azzaw  1; Esraa Sabeeh2; Heba Salah KHALED 3; Karrar Chasib Badr4
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| 1Qalat Saleh General Hospital, Laboratories Department, Bacterial Culture Unit, Misan, Iraq. | ||||
| 2College of Pharmacy, University of Misan, Misan, Iraq | ||||
| 3Ministry of Education, Misan Education Directorate, Misan, Iraq | ||||
| 4Qalat Saleh General Hospital, Misan, Iraq | ||||
| Abstract | ||||
| Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) represent one of the most common reasons for community-based antibiotic prescriptions globally. In low-income countries, they contribute substantially to morbidity and mortality. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the predominant uropathogen causing these infections, and resistance to commonly used antibiotics continues to rise, especially in under-resourced settings. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of sex, age, and residence (urban vs. rural) on the prevalence of E. coli-associated UTIs in the Qalat Saleh District, Maysan Province, Iraq. It also sought to assess antimicrobial sensitivity and resistance patterns among isolated E. coli strains. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over a six-month period from January 2024 to June 2024. A total of 316 urine samples were collected from symptomatic patients aged 1 to 70 years who presented at healthcare facilities in the district. Bacterial cultures were performed, and E. coli was identified as the causative agent in confirmed UTI cases. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out using standard disc diffusion methods. Results: Out of the 316 samples, 36 cases were confirmed to be caused by E. coli. The infection rate among females was 63.89% (23/36), compared to 36.11% (13/36) in males. The prevalence of E. coli infection was significantly higher in urban areas at 80.56% (29/36) versus 19.44% (7/36) in rural areas. In terms of antibiotic sensitivity, the highest susceptibility was noted for gentamicin (27%) and imipenem (16%), while doxycycline (1%), amikacin (2%), and ciprofloxacin (6%) showed the lowest sensitivity. The highest resistance rates were observed for cefotaxime and ceftriaxone (both 36%), followed by ampicillin and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (both 29%). Conclusion: E. coli remains the predominant cause of UTIs in the Qalat Saleh District, with a higher burden among females and urban residents. Alarmingly low antibiotic sensitivity levels were observed, especially to commonly used antibiotics, indicating a pressing need for revised empirical treatment guidelines and antibiotic stewardship efforts in the region. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| Qalat Saleh District; Cross-Sectional Study; Bacterial Infections; Uropathogenic E. Coli; Antibiotic Resistance | ||||
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