[Pattern of antimicrobial susceptibility in uropathogen isolates from children]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric infectious diseases
• Bacteriology
• Antimicrobial resistance

Background:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in children.
• Understanding the causative pathogens and their antibiotic susceptibility is crucial for effective treatment.
• Bacteriuria in children requires prompt diagnosis and management to prevent complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the bacteriological profile of culture-positive bacteriuria in children over a 5-year period.
• To determine the most effective empirical antibiotic treatments for pediatric UTIs based on susceptibility data.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of children with culture-positive bacteriuria.
• Identification of bacterial pathogens and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
• Evaluation of treatment outcomes based on susceptibility patterns.

Main Results:

• Escherichia coli was the predominant pathogen (57%), followed by Streptococcus faecalis (11%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8%), and Proteus mirabilis (6%).
• Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed cephalosporins (all generations) and nitrofurantoin as effective empirical oral treatments.
• Fosfomycin showed potential as an alternative treatment in select cases.
• For hospitalized children, empirical treatment with third-generation cephalosporins, potentially with gentamicin for severe cases, is advised.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights the prevalence of E. coli in pediatric UTIs.
• Cephalosporins and nitrofurantoin are recommended as first-line empirical therapies for childhood bacteriuria.
• Treatment guidelines should be informed by local antimicrobial susceptibility data for optimal patient outcomes.