Predominance of multidrug-resistant bacteria causing urinary tract infections among symptomatic patients in East Africa: a call for action

Antonio Maldonado-Barragán*, Stephen E Mshana, Katherine Keenan, Xuejia Ke, Stephen H Gillespie, John Stelling, John Maina, Joel Bazira, Ivan Muhwezi, Martha F Mushi, Dominique L Green, Mike Kesby, Andy G Lynch, Wilber Sabiiti, Derek J Sloan, Alison Sandeman, John Kiiru, Benon Asiimwe, Matthew T G Holden

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background

In low- and middle-income countries, antibiotics are often prescribed for patients with symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs) without microbiological confirmation. Inappropriate antibiotic use can contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the selection of MDR bacteria. Data on antibiotic susceptibility of cultured bacteria are important in drafting empirical treatment guidelines and monitoring resistance trends, which can prevent the spread of AMR. In East Africa, antibiotic susceptibility data are sparse. To fill the gap, this study reports common microorganisms and their susceptibility patterns isolated from patients with UTI-like symptoms in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Within each country, patients were recruited from three sites that were sociodemographically distinct and representative of different populations.

Methods

UTI was defined by the presence of >104 cfu/mL of one or two uropathogens in mid-stream urine samples. Identification of microorganisms was done using biochemical methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion assay. MDR bacteria were defined as isolates resistant to at least one agent in three or more classes of antimicrobial agents.

Results

Microbiologically confirmed UTI was observed in 2653 (35.0%) of the 7583 patients studied. The predominant bacteria were Escherichia coli (37.0%), Staphylococcus spp. (26.3%), Klebsiella spp. (5.8%) and Enterococcus spp. (5.5%). E. coli contributed 982 of the isolates, with an MDR proportion of 52.2%. Staphylococcus spp. contributed 697 of the isolates, with an MDR rate of 60.3%. The overall proportion of MDR bacteria (n = 1153) was 50.9%.

Conclusions

MDR bacteria are common causes of UTI in patients attending healthcare centres in East African countries, which emphasizes the need for investment in laboratory culture capacity and diagnostic algorithms to improve accuracy of diagnosis that will lead to appropriate antibiotic use to prevent and control AMR.

Original languageEnglish
Article numberdlae019
Number of pages11
JournalJAC-Antimicrobial Resistance
Volume6
Issue number1
Early online date14 Feb 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2024

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