ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERN OF PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA IN UTI PATIENTS

Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a significant opportunistic pathogen responsible for nosocomial and community-acquired infections, including urinary tract infections (UTIs). This study investigates the antibiotic resistance and sensitivity patterns of P. aeruginosa in UTI patients to inform effective therapeutic strategies. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 100 clinical isolates collected between August and December 2024. Using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, susceptibility to a range of antibiotics was tested. The findings reveal alarming resistance rates to commonly used antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, amikacin, and imipenem, underscoring the pathogen's adaptive resistance mechanisms, including biofilm formation and efflux pumps. However, newer antibiotics like colistin and ceftolozane-tazobactam demonstrated significant efficacy. The study highlights a higher prevalence of infections in males (86%) and older patients, particularly those over 60 years of age. These results emphasize the critical need for regular antibiotic susceptibility testing, robust stewardship programs, and targeted prevention strategies, particularly for high-risk populations. This research provides valuable insights for optimizing clinical management and addressing the growing threat of multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa in UTIs. Further studies are recommended to explore alternative treatments and the genetic basis of resistance.