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Antimicrobial resistance in E.coli associated with urinary tract infection in the west of Ireland

Chulain MN, Murray AM, Corbett-Feeney G, Cormican M

Irish journal of medical science, 2005

27 citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of antimicrobial resistance patterns in E. coli, the predominant pathogen associated with urinary tract infection (UTI) is important as a guide in selecting empirical antimicrobial therapy

AIMS: To describe the antimicrobial susceptibility of E. coli associated with UTI in a region in the West of Ireland.

METHODS: A collection of 934 E. coli isolates associated with UTI were tested for susceptibility to a panel of antimicrobial agents by the disc diffusion method of the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards.

RESULTS: More than 50% of E. coli were resistant to ampicillin, more than 40% resistant to sulphonamide and more than 30% resistant to trimethoprim. From 7.9% (community) to 12.5% (hospital) are resistant to co-amoxiclav with approximately 20% of isolates of intermediate susceptibility. In general practice most E. coli remain susceptible to nitrofurantoin (96.7%), nalidixic acid (93.9%) and ciprofloxacin (94.7%). For all agents rates of resistance were higher in hospital as compared with general practice isolates. Three isolates with the phenotype of Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamase (ESBL) resistance were detected.

CONCLUSIONS: Ampicillin/amoxicillin are not suitable for empiric therapy of UTI in general practice or hospital patients in this region. There is doubt as to the role of trimethorpim or co-trimoxazole for empiric therapy of UTI. Nitrofurantoin, nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin are active against the great majority of UTI…

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Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence.

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