CHARACTERIZATION AND SENSITIVITY PATTERN OF ESCHERICHIA COLI OBTAINED FROM URINE SAMPLES OF PATIENTS ATTENDING AL-MAN ZOOR HOSPITAL BAUCHI, STATE.

ABSTRACT Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections worldwide, with Escherichia coli being the predominant causative agent. This study was conducted to isolate, identify, and characterize E. coli strains from urine samples collected from patients presenting with symptoms of UTI at Al-man zoor hospital Bauchi state, Nigeria. A total of 30 midstream urine samples were aseptically collected from patients. Samples were cultured on selective and differential media which include MacConkey agar and Cysteine Lactose Electrolyte Deficient (CLED) agar to isolate lactose-fermenting colonies presumptive of E. coli. Confirmatory identification was performed through Gram staining and a series of biochemical tests, such as Indole, urease and Citrate utilization, which are characteristic for E. coli. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method on mueller hinton Agar in accordance with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Out of the 30 samples, 10 positive isolate was gotten confirming its status as the leading uropathogen in the study population. UTI prevalence in isolate rate of 0.6% in female patients more than the male patients with 0.4% Antibiotic sensitivity testing indicated a high prevalence of resistance to first-line and beta lactame antibiotics such as Augmentin, Ceporex, ceftriaxone, and Cefuroxime. Conversely, isolates demonstrated higher sensitivity to ofloxacin, Ceftazidine and Gentamicin, And moderate sensitivity to streptomycin and ciprofloxacin suggesting these as more effective treatment options in the study area. But moderate resistance to ciprofloxacin brings about the constant use of ciprofloxacin increasing empirical therapy. The emergence of multidrug-resistant strains poses a significant challenge for clinical management of UTIs and underscores the necessity for regular antimicrobial resistance surveillance. The findings of this study provide vital information for clinicians in selecting appropriate empirical therapy and emphasize the urgent need for improved antibiotic stewardship and infection control policies to curb the spread of resistant E. coli strains.