Research Article

A Cross-Sectional Study of Pathogenic Bacteria Isolated from Women Infected with Urinary Tract Infections

Abstract

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTI) are among the most common bacterial infections, affecting millions worldwide, particularly women. The urinary tract consists of the upper (kidneys and ureters) and lower (bladder and urethra) parts, and infections can occur in either region. Objective: Using a phenotypic method, the study aims to isolate and identify pathogenic bacteria from women with urinary tract infections and β-lactamases detection. Methodology: In this study, 155 urine samples were collected from women with UTI from June 2024 to January 2025. We used standard laboratory methods to culture urine, diagnose all bacterial isolates on laboratory media, and test antibiotic resistance using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion methodology. Results: Out of the total of 155 urine samples, there were 236 positive bacterial cultures; 123 (52%) gram-negative, and 113 (48%) gram-positive. The results revealed that out of a total of 236 bacterial isolates; there were 78 E.coli (33%), 57 E.faecalis (24%), 48 S.aureus (20.3%), 37 K.pneumoniae (16%), 8 S.heamolyticus (3.3%), 5 P.mirabilis (2.1%) and 3 P.aeruginosa (1.3%). The results showed that all bacterial isolates from chronic infections were highly resistant to most antibiotics than those isolated from acute infections. Out of a total of 123 gram-negative bacteria, there were 40 isolates (32.5%) that were positive ESBL according to the phenotypic detection method. Conclusion: Urinary tract infections in women are often caused by E.coli, E.faecalis, and S. aureus. Compared with bacteria isolated from acute infections, most chronic infection isolates were highly resistant to antibiotics.

Author's Information:

Ola Abdalkareem Ali Alkhirsan. University of Kufa, Faculty of Science, Najaf, Kufa, Iraq
Ahmed Abduljabbar Jaloob Aljanaby (ORCID). University of Kufa, Faculty of Science, Najaf, Kufa, Iraq.