PRIMARY UROPATHOGENS RESPONSIBLE FOR PEDIATRIC UTIS AND THEIR ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE PATTERNS
Submission: 05 September 2025 | Acceptance: 15 November 2025 | Publication: 05 December 2025
Neelam Iqbal1, Muhammad Shahzad2, Hamza Ashraf3, Ehtesham Malik Khan4, Ehsan Ul Islam3, Muhammad Farid Ullah Thaimur2,
1Abbottabad International Medical College Abbottabad KPK Pakistan
2 Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad KPK Pakistan
3 Women Medical College Abbottabad KPK Pakistan
4 Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Teaching Hospital Abbottabad KPK Pakistan
ABSTRACT
Background: Pediatric urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections that can lead to significant morbidity if inadequately treated. The rise in antibiotic resistance complicates management, particularly in regions with high empirical antibiotic use, such as Pakistan.
Objective: This study aimed to identify primary uropathogens causing pediatric UTIs and evaluate their antibiotic resistance patterns to support effective treatment protocols at Sami Medical Center, Abbottabad.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 100 pediatric UTI cases. Urine samples were cultured, and antibiotic sensitivity was tested using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Patient demographics and resistance patterns were analyzed.
Results: Most cases occurred in females (68%) and in children under five years of age (66%). Escherichia coli was the predominant pathogen (85%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (11%). The highest sensitivity was observed with piperacillin-tazobactam (94%) and nitrofurantoin (87%), while co-amoxiclav (24%) and co-trimoxazole (20%) showed the lowest activity.
Conclusion: The findings demonstrate considerable resistance to commonly used first-line agents. Piperacillin-tazobactam and nitrofurantoin appear to be the most reliable options for empirical treatment of pediatric UTIs in this setting. Regular surveillance of resistance trends is recommended to support evidence-based prescribing.
Keywords: Urinary Tract Infections, Escherichia coli, Antibiotic Resistance, Pediatrics, Pakistan Drug Sensitivity Tests