Prevalence of E. Coli Isolates from Urinary Tract Infected Patients Attending Selected Hospitals in Kisii County, Kenya

Abstract

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a significant and growing global health concern, with E. coli being the most common causing bacterium. The advent of antibiotic resistance has worsened the difficulties associated with UTI therapy. This study looked at the prevalence of multi-drug resistant E. coli isolates among UTI patients in Kisii County, Kenya. A total of 203 urine samples were collected, evaluated bacteriologically, and antibiotic sensitivity tests were carried out. E. coli was detected in 20.87% of the samples. Notably, E. coli displayed considerable antibiotic resistance, with amoxicillin exhibiting 100% resistance. In contrast, E. coli isolates were imipenem susceptible. To avoid antibiotic abuse and treatment failures, it is critical to screen for ESBL-producing isolates before administering antibiotics. Keywords: Urinary tract infection, Escherichia coli, Antibiotic resistance and Multi-drug resistance