Clinical and Bacteriological Profile of Patients with Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection

Abstract

Background: Recurrent urinary tract infection (RUTI) is a frequently encountered condition in clinical practice and is increasingly complicated by antimicrobial resistance, leading to significant morbidity.

Objective: To analyse the clinical features, causative organisms, and antibiotic sensitivity patterns in patients presenting with recurrent urinary tract infections.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 240 patients diagnosed with RUTI over a 12-month period. Information regarding demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, associated risk factors, urine microscopy, culture reports, and antibiotic susceptibility patterns was collected and evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test, with p < 0.05 considered significant.

Results: Out of 240 patients, 162 (67.5%) were female and 78 (32.5%) were male, with a mean age of 55.2 ± 12.4 years. The most common predisposing factors included diabetes mellitus (48%), history of catheterization (30%), and postmenopausal status (42%). Escherichia coli was the predominant uropathogen (62%). Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production was detected in 28% of isolates. Marked resistance to fluoroquinolones was observed and found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: RUTI is more common in females and elderly with comorbidities. Rising antimicrobial resistance necessitates culture-guided therapy.