What is the proportion of infectiology in the specialization urology?: A pilot study to underline the significance of Antibiotic Stewardship in urology

Abstract

Background: Urinary tract infections account for one of the most bacterial infectious diseases worldwide. Objectives: The primary aim of this pilot project was to identify the relative percentage of antibiotic use in comparison to all patients in a university medical center for the better establishment of antibiotic stewardship (ABS) programs. Material and methods: This is an epidemiological pilot project. In the time period of three months it was evaluated which relative percentage of the patients was treated with antibiotics for bacterial urinary tract infection in comparison to all patients. Results: In summary, about 40% of all urological patients received an antibiotic treatment against urinary tract infections or as perioperative prophylaxis against bacterial infection in the operating room (OR). The antibiotic use at the urological ward is highest in comparison to ambulance or OR. Conclusion: Infectious diseases, especially bacterial infections, account for a significant part of urology. This knowledge is essential to establish ABS programs and to tackle the progression of antibiotic resistance. Detailed studies are necessary to understand antibiotic prescription practice in urology to develop targeted ABS interventions.