Characterization of uropathogenic escherichia coli isolated in women aged 18 to 45 years

Abstract

Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common during the fertile age, especially in pregnant women, with Escherichia coli being the main cause. Bacterial resistance, particularly to first-line antibiotics, poses a challenge in treatment. In Latin America, the lack of updated data on antimicrobial resistance in UTIs is a problem. This study focuses on characterizing Uropathogenic Escherichia coli in women aged 18 to 45 in Babahoyo, Ecuador, in 2020. Objective: To characterize Uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from women aged 18 to 45 at the ZHIEL Laboratory in Babahoyo in 2020. Methodology: A quantitative, empirical, and descriptive study was conducted, analyzing 85 urine samples from women aged 18 to 45 obtained at the ZHIEL Laboratory in 2020. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, and variables such as age, residence, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were used. Results: There was an increase in the identification of Escherichia coli strains in 2021 compared to 2020. Most cases were found in young adults (72.6%). Babahoyo had the highest prevalence of cases (58.9%). Bacterial resistance was generally low, with higher resistance to nitrofurantoin. Conclusion: The study highlights temporal changes in the epidemiology of Escherichia coli in Babahoyo, with a predominance in young adults and low antimicrobial resistance. These findings are relevant for the management of urinary infections and the selection of appropriate treatments. Specific area of study: Microbiology.