Antibiotic Resistance Profile and Risk Factors of Enterococcus Faecalis and Klebsiella Pneumoniae Isolated from UTI Patients at Okara

Abstract

Background: Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections, with Enterococcus faecalis and Klebsiella pneumoniae being significant uropathogens associated with both chronic and recurrent cases. Rising antibiotic resistance in these pathogens poses a major public health challenge.Objective: This study aimed to determine the antibiotic resistance patterns of E. faecalis and K. pneumoniae isolated from UTI patients and to assess associated demographic, clinical, and lifestyle risk factors.Methods: Urine samples were collected from UTI patients at Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. A structured questionnaire captured data on gender, age, education, urinary habits, prior UTIs, diabetes, kidney disease, pregnancy, comorbidities, lifestyle, and antibiotic use. Bacterial isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing using 15 discs including Doxycycline, Colistin, Cefepime, Fosfomycin, Nitrofurantoin, Ceftriaxone, Ampicillin, Co-amoxiclav, Amikacin, Tazobactam-pipracillin, Meropenem, Ciprofloxacin, Imipenem, Gentamicin, and Cotrimoxazole. Zones of inhibition were measured and interpreted per standard guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed with significance set at p<0.05. Results: Notable variations in sugar levels, pregnancy status, and kidney problems were observed across socioeconomic groups. K. pneumoniae showed intermediate sensitivity to Ciprofloxacin, Cotrimoxazole, Doxycycline, Fosfomycin, and Co-amoxiclav, and susceptibility to Colistin, Gentamicin, and Amikacin. Several antibiotics including Cefepime, Nitrofurantoin, Ampicillin, Tazobactam-pipracillin, Meropenem, and Imipenem showed total resistance against both E. faecalis and K. pneumoniae.Conclusion: High resistance rates to commonly used antibiotics highlight the need for rational antibiotic use and routine surveillance. Risk factor analysis underscores the role of comorbidities and socioeconomic status in UTI burden.