Frequency of Bacteria Causing Urinary Tract Infection and Their Antibiotic Resistance Among Children

Background: Childhood urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most prevalent diseases. In recent years, the overuse of common antibiotics has increased antibiotic resistance among urinary tract pathogens worldwide, with changes in the pattern of microbial resistance varying by geographical area and time. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the pattern of microbial resistance of UTI pathogens in pediatric patients. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, children aged 13 years with UTI and positive urine cultures, who were admitted to Bahrami Hospital in Tehran, Iran, between 2015 and 2019, were evaluated. The pathogens frequency, their antimicrobial resistance, and clinical and demographic information were extracted from the patients files. Statistical relationships between clinical and demographic data and antibiotic resistance were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. Results: The files of 202 patients were evaluated. The majority of patients were female (79.2%). UTI was more common among the 12 - 60 months age group (36.3%) in females and the 1 - 12 months age group (50%) in males. The most common UTI pathogen was Escherichia coli(85.1%). The lowest rates of microbial resistance were related to Meropenem (0% resistance), Gentamicin (9.2%), and Amikacin (10.8%). Conversely, the highest resistance rates were observed for Cotrimoxazole (74.6%), Ampicillin (74.5%), and Cephalothin (64.9%). Conclusions: UTI is more common in females aged 1 to 60 months. E. coliis the most common cause of UTI. Microbial resistance to antibiotics used for empirical treatment, such as ceftriaxone, is high and changes over time. It is recommended to use alternative antibiotics and avoid the inappropriate administration of antibiotics.