Uropathogens and the antibiogram profile from a tertiary care hospital: A 2-month study post conversion of a COVID dedicated center to a non-COVID one

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common bacterial infections in humans, both in the community and the hospital settings. The distribution of antimicrobial susceptibility data of UTI-causing microorganisms changes from time to time and from place to place. The susceptibility data provided by regional microbiology laboratories helps to choose the empirical antimicrobials to treat UTI. Aim and Objectives: To determine the prevalence and antimicrobial drug susceptibility pattern of the bacterial uropathogens isolated from a tertiary care hospital. Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis over a period of two months (Jan-Feb 2021) was performed in the Department of Microbiology of a tertiary care hospital, East part of Delhi. These two months were immediately following conversion of this facility to a non COVID centre from a dedicated COVID centre. Culture results of the urine samples received during the study period were analyzed. The samples were processed according to standard guidelines. The data were entered into micro soft excel for analysis. Results: A total of 1650 urine samples from suspected UTIs were analyzed retrospectively for isolation and identification of bacteria and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. 271 (16.4%) grew significant microorganisms including fungus. In both male and female patients E. coli (n = 46, 17%) was the most commonly isolated microorganism, followed by Staphylococcus spp. (n = 45, 16%). Isolated resistance to uropathogens was common with Cotrimoxazole (60%), Nitrofurantoin (50%), ciprofloxacin (50%), tetracycline (45%), Imipenem and cefotaxime (35%) Conclusions: UTI is one of the most common infectious diseases that clinicians are dealing with. Increasing antimicrobial resistance among uropathogens implicated in UTI is a matter of concern. Periodic monitoring of etiology and drug susceptibility is recommended.