Incidence of Symptomatic Urinary Tract Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of Isolated Uropathogens In Several Regions of Punjab, Pakistan.: Original Article

Ayesha Fazal; Hammad Qaiser; Tehrim Zafar; Ali Hasan; , Zeeshan Asghar; Urooj Liaqat; Abrar Hussain

doi:10.69885/pju.v4i1.128

Authors

Ayesha Fazal Department of Biological Sciences, COMSATS university, Islamabad, Pakistan https://orcid.org/0009-0007-7237-8650
Hammad Qaiser Department of Biological Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3794-3288
Tehrim Zafar Department of Urology University of Sialkot, Sialkot, Pakistan https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3359-8884
Ali Hasan Department of Microbiology, University of Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3410-3978
, Zeeshan Asghar Department of Urology University of Sialkot, Sialkot, Pakistan https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2429-2055
Urooj Liaqat Department of Urology University of Sialkot, Sialkot, Pakistan https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5012-151X
Abrar Hussain Department of Biological Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2948-921X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69885/pju.v4i1.128

Keywords:

Urinary tract infection; Uropathogens; Antimicrobial resistance; Escherichia coli; Antibiotic susceptibility; Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections worldwide and represent a significant public health concern because of increasing antimicrobial resistance. Continuous surveillance of uropathogens and their susceptibility patterns is essential for guiding empirical therapy and improving clinical outcomes.

Objective: To determine the incidence of symptomatic urinary tract infections, identify the spectrum of causative uropathogens, and evaluate their antimicrobial resistance profiles in selected regions of Punjab, Pakistan.

Methodology: This multicenter cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi, and Col Sultan’s Laboratory, Sialkot Cantt, Punjab, Pakistan, from June 2024 to October 2024. A total of 605 urine samples were collected from patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of UTI. Urine specimens were cultured using standard microbiological techniques, and bacterial isolates were identified through conventional laboratory methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines.

Results: Of the 605 urine samples analyzed, 142 (23.5%) yielded positive cultures. A total of 154 microbial isolates were recovered, indicating polymicrobial growth in some specimens. Escherichia coli was the predominant uropathogen (42.9%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (9.7%), Serratia spp. (7.8%), and Morganella morganii (6.5%). High resistance rates were observed against ampicillin, ceftriaxone, and fluoroquinolones. Conversely, nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin demonstrated excellent activity against most urinary isolates. Females were more frequently affected than males, and the majority of infections occurred among adults aged 21–50 years.

Conclusion: Escherichia coli remains the leading cause of symptomatic UTIs in Punjab, Pakistan. The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance among uropathogens highlights the need for continuous regional surveillance, evidence-based empirical therapy, and strengthened antimicrobial stewardship programs.