High rate of multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli isolated from patients with urinary tract infections in Ifakara-Tanzania: implications for empirical antibiotic treatment guidelines and stewardship programs.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Sub-Saharan Africa is a significant health threat, with limited data guide treatment. This study investigates multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli in urinary tract infections (UTIs) in rural Tanzania to guide empirical treatment strategies.

Methods

A cross-sectional prospective study of adults with UTIs was conducted at St. Francis Regional Referral Hospital in Ifakara, Tanzania, from September 2021 to August 2023. Urine culture isolates underwent routine diagnostics in Tanzania and E. coli isolates underwent whole-genome sequencing in Switzerland.

Results

Of 1055 patients, 248 (23.5%) had positive urine cultures, with E. coli as predominant pathogen (n = 87; 55.7%). Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing E. coli (ESBL

SUBMITTER: Macha ME 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12046935 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature