Fosfomycin resistance in community-acquired urinary pathogens from Western Cape, South Africa

Abstract

Oral fosfomycin is commonly used to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTI) and whilst resistance has been reported in many healthcare facilities in South Africa, the current prevalence remains unknown. This study investigated the prevalence and mechanisms of fosfomycin resistance amongst urinary pathogens in the Western Cape, South Africa. Of the 200 isolates collected during the study period (2019–2020), seven (3.5\%) were fosfomycin resistant. Mutations in the glpT and uhpT transporter genes were the most common mechanism of resistance detected. These findings support the ongoing use of fosfomycin as an empiric antibiotic choice for the treatment of community-acquired UTI in this setting.