Urinary Tract Infections in Karbala Population: Epidemiology, Causes and Treatment Options

Aim of study: To identify the etiological agent of urinary tract infections and test the sensitivity of microorganisms that caused UTIs to antibiotics. The study also aims to find the appropriate treatment that bacteria cannot resist or to find an alternative to it in treating urinary tract infections. Methods: This was conducted at the microbiology department of the Al-Imam Al-Hussein Medical City in Karbala. Urine samples were collected from patients of different ages and sex. Bacterial culture and antibiotic susceptibility were performed in the laboratory. Many symptoms diagnose urinary tract infections (UTIs) by examining urine samples and bacterial growth on Petri dishes. There is a significant risk because of the increase in protract infections and the growing antibiotic resistance leading to the increase of the economic burden of these illnesses.    Results: UTI cultured samples included 30 males (26.5%) and 83 females (73.5%), with patient ages ranging from 18 to 90. Among 113 individuals with uropathogens, Escherichia coli in 49 patients (55.37%), followed by Staphylococcus bacteria detected in 38 patients (42.94%). Klebsiella pneumonia was detected in only 9 patients (10.17%), while other types of bacteria were detected in 17 (19%). Various antimicrobial agents were employed on the isolated bacteria; the highest sensitivity was observed for meropenem (79.5%), while the lowest sensitivity was noted for ampicillin (21.2%). Conclusion: Early diagnosis and treatment of UTI is very important to minimise medical complications and decrease financial outcomes; this is achieved by isolating the causative pathogens and testing for suitable antimicrobial drugs.