Background
The increasing antimicrobial resistance in pediatric urinary tract infections (UTIs) has complicated empirical treatment of these infections. This study aimed to determine the antibiotic resistance pattern and to evaluate antibiogram results in children with UTIs presenting to Hajar Hospital (Shahrekord) and Imam Ali Clinic during 2024–2025.
Methods
In this cross-sectional (descriptive-analytical) study, children under 15 years of age with positive urine cultures who presented to the above centers were enrolled by census. Demographic data and antibiogram results were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Chi-square and independent t-tests were used to examine associations between variables, and a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Findings
The results showed that the prevalence of UTIs was significantly higher in females than in males. Escherichia coli was identified as the most frequent microbial agent, followed by Klebsiella species and other pathogens. The antibiotic resistance profile indicated high resistance of the pathogens to cotrimoxazole (63.3%) and ciprofloxacin (39%). Relatively high resistance was also observed to cefotaxime (64%) and ceftriaxone (36.8%). In contrast, the highest antibiotic susceptibilities were seen for imipenem (3.6% resistance), nitrofurantoin (1.9% resistance), and amikacin (0% resistance). A statistically significant association was also found between constipation and the occurrence of UTIs.
Conclusion
The findings underscore the need to revise empirical treatment protocols for pediatric UTIs, to continuously monitor microbial resistance, and to consider clinical risk factors such as sex and constipation.
Keywords
Urinary tract infection, antibiotic resistance, children