Urinary tract infection in a tertiary care hospital with special reference to methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA)

Abstract

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) due to S. aureus is not uncommon, but published literature on its association with UTI is limited. It is well known for acquiring resistance to antibiotics. Therefore, it is essential to base the empirical therapy in reference to local susceptibility patterns. The aim of our study was to know the rate of S. aureus among all urinary isolates and to analyze their sensitivity patterns. Materials and Methods: Urine samples received from suspected UTI cases over a period of one year were processed. All S. aureus isolates cultured from urine samples were included in the study. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by disk diffusion method and the resistance patterns of S. aureus were analyzed. Results: Out of 1032 culture-proven UTI cases, S. aureus was the cause in 5.4% of cases. Majority (71.4 %) of S. aureus was isolated from urine samples of hospitalized patients and 66.1% were from females. Methicillin resistance was observed in 46.4% of the isolates. Multidrug resistance was noted in 73% of Methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates. Cotrimoxazole and fluoroquinolones were ineffective against majority of the isolates. Apart from vancomycin; Netilmicin and linezolid were also highly effective. Conclusions: Considering the high isolation rate of MRSA and the associated multidrug resistance, therapeutic options remain very few. Regular updating of sensitivity pattern of the organism is important in amending the guidelines for therapeutic use of antibiotics based on evidence.