ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE PATTERNS IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS: A HOSPITAL-BASED STUDY

Abstract

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections in children and represent a growing challenge due to increasing antibiotic resistance. Timely diagnosis and appropriate empirical therapy are critical in preventing complications such as renal damage and sepsis.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of uropathogens and their antibiotic resistance patterns in pediatric patients with UTIs.

Methods: A six-month prospective observational study was conducted at Maruthi Medical Center Hospital, Erode, Tamil Nadu. A total of 156 pediatric patients aged 1 month to 18 years with culture-confirmed UTIs were included. Urine samples were processed using standard biochemical tests, and antibiotic susceptibility was assessed via the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Data were analyzed using SPSS with chi-square testing for significance (p < 0.05).

Results: Escherichia coli was the predominant pathogen (67.3%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (14.1%) and Proteus mirabilis (6.4%). High resistance rates were observed against amoxicillin-clavulanate (70%) and ciprofloxacin (58%), while nitrofurantoin (15%) and imipenem (7%) showed lower resistance. Male patients demonstrated significantly higher resistance rates across all tested antibiotics. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains were notably higher in Klebsiella (77.2%) and Pseudomonas (83.3%).

Conclusion: The study underscores the urgent need for routine culture and sensitivity testing to guide antibiotic therapy in pediatric UTIs. Rising resistance, especially among non–E. coli pathogens necessitate stronger antimicrobial stewardship, age- and gender-specific treatment protocols, and preventive strategies to curb the spread of resistant infections.