Prevalence and bacterial resistance in urinary tract infections in São Luis, MA, Brazil in the period from 2005 to 2008

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of pathogens involved in urinary tract infections and diagnosed in a private laboratory in São Luis, MA. Were analyzed  875 (37%) positive urine cultures performed from January 2005 to June 2008. The agents found in urine cultures were separated into three major groups, Enterobacteria predominated among isolates of 85.5% of the samples ( Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Enterobacter aerogenes e Serratia marcenses ). Cocos Gram - positive ( Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococus faecalis ) and Gram negative non-fermenters ( Pseudomonas aeruginosa ) were recovered at rates of 89 (10.2%) and 38 (4.3%), respectively. The bacteria isolated were classified according to their origin: 638 (73%) in the community and 237 (27%) in the hospital. The majority of isolates showed high resistance to the drugs ampicillin, cephalothin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Female patients were most affected with 603 (69%) of the cases. The correct diagnosis of urinary tract infections is of importance because allows appropriate treatment, thus avoiding complications andrecurrences