Prevalence and resistance profile of bacteria associated with urinary tract infections in intensive care unit patients at a hospital in Santo Ângelo, Brazil, in 2023

Resumo

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) account for approximately 35-45% of healthcare-associated infections, with urinary catheterization representing one of the primary predisposing factors. Globally, UTIs affect around 150 million individuals each year. Intensive care units (ICUs) exhibit the highest incidence of nosocomial infections, driven by multiple contributing factors such as the extensive use of invasive medical devices and the immunocompromised status of patients. This study aimed to identify the predominant bacterial pathogens isolated from UTIs and to characterize their antimicrobial resistance profiles among patients hospitalized in the ICU of a hospital in Santo Ângelo, Brazil, during 2023. A descriptive, cross-sectional, and retrospective analysis was conducted based on urine culture reports. Demographic variables (sex and date of birth) and microbiological data were collected. A total of 36 bacterial isolates were identified, with Escherichia coli being the most prevalent pathogen. UTIs were more frequent among female patients, particularly in the 70-89-year age group. Gram-negative bacilli exhibited the highest resistance rates, mainly against β-lactams and quinolones. Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed the highest level of antimicrobial resistance, whereas Staphylococcus aureus presented the lowest. Understanding the local prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of UTI pathogens is crucial for optimizing empirical therapy and preventing the emergence and dissemination of multidrug-resistant strains within hospital settings.