Decoding Urinary Tract Infection Trends: A 5-Year Snapshot from Central Portugal

Introduction: This study analyzes urinary tract infections (UTIs) in a hospital in Central Portugal over a five-year period, focusing on bacterial prevalence, patient demographics, and antibiotic resistance patterns. This investigation aims to provide insights that can guide improved infection contr...

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Main Authors: Francisco Rodrigues, Patrícia Coelho, Sónia Mateus, Armando Caseiro, Hatem Eideh, Teresa Gonçalves, Miguel Castelo Branco
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Clinics and Practice
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2039-7283/15/1/14
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author Francisco Rodrigues
Patrícia Coelho
Sónia Mateus
Armando Caseiro
Hatem Eideh
Teresa Gonçalves
Miguel Castelo Branco
author_facet Francisco Rodrigues
Patrícia Coelho
Sónia Mateus
Armando Caseiro
Hatem Eideh
Teresa Gonçalves
Miguel Castelo Branco
author_sort Francisco Rodrigues
collection DOAJ
description Introduction: This study analyzes urinary tract infections (UTIs) in a hospital in Central Portugal over a five-year period, focusing on bacterial prevalence, patient demographics, and antibiotic resistance patterns. This investigation aims to provide insights that can guide improved infection control and treatment strategies. Methods: A total of 6161 positive urine cultures collected over five years were examined, with particular emphasis on 2019 due to a peak in infection rates. The analysis explored bacterial prevalence, demographic factors such as sex and clinical service origin, and antibiotic resistance. Special attention was given to hospitalized patients, especially those undergoing invasive procedures, due to their increased vulnerability to infection. Results: This study found that UTIs were more prevalent in female patients, reflecting anatomical susceptibilities. Hospitalized individuals, particularly those requiring invasive procedures, were at greater risk. The predominant bacteria were <i>Escherichia coli</i>, <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i>, and <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i>, with differences in prevalence by patient sex and service origin. Resistance to Imipenem in <i>E. coli</i> increased, raising concerns about last-resort treatments. However, resistance to other antibiotics declined, suggesting improvements due to recent stewardship measures. During the COVID-19 pandemic, overall antibiotic consumption decreased due to changes in clinical practices. Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of strict infection control, targeted prevention measures, and rational antibiotic use to combat resistance. Ongoing surveillance and personalized treatment approaches are essential to improve UTI management and outcomes.
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spelling doaj-art-3d438dc7b23440f9a36f7e915c4d10ed2025-01-24T13:27:42ZengMDPI AGClinics and Practice2039-72832025-01-011511410.3390/clinpract15010014Decoding Urinary Tract Infection Trends: A 5-Year Snapshot from Central PortugalFrancisco Rodrigues0Patrícia Coelho1Sónia Mateus2Armando Caseiro3Hatem Eideh4Teresa Gonçalves5Miguel Castelo Branco6Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, Dr. Lopes Dias Higher Health School, 6000-084 Castelo Branco, PortugalPolytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, Dr. Lopes Dias Higher Health School, 6000-084 Castelo Branco, PortugalPolytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, Dr. Lopes Dias Higher Health School, 6000-084 Castelo Branco, PortugalCoimbra Health School, Polytechnic University of Coimbra, 3045-093 Coimbra, PortugalDepartment of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Al-Quds University, Abu Dis P144, PalestineFMUC—Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, PortugalFaculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilha, PortugalIntroduction: This study analyzes urinary tract infections (UTIs) in a hospital in Central Portugal over a five-year period, focusing on bacterial prevalence, patient demographics, and antibiotic resistance patterns. This investigation aims to provide insights that can guide improved infection control and treatment strategies. Methods: A total of 6161 positive urine cultures collected over five years were examined, with particular emphasis on 2019 due to a peak in infection rates. The analysis explored bacterial prevalence, demographic factors such as sex and clinical service origin, and antibiotic resistance. Special attention was given to hospitalized patients, especially those undergoing invasive procedures, due to their increased vulnerability to infection. Results: This study found that UTIs were more prevalent in female patients, reflecting anatomical susceptibilities. Hospitalized individuals, particularly those requiring invasive procedures, were at greater risk. The predominant bacteria were <i>Escherichia coli</i>, <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i>, and <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i>, with differences in prevalence by patient sex and service origin. Resistance to Imipenem in <i>E. coli</i> increased, raising concerns about last-resort treatments. However, resistance to other antibiotics declined, suggesting improvements due to recent stewardship measures. During the COVID-19 pandemic, overall antibiotic consumption decreased due to changes in clinical practices. Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of strict infection control, targeted prevention measures, and rational antibiotic use to combat resistance. Ongoing surveillance and personalized treatment approaches are essential to improve UTI management and outcomes.https://www.mdpi.com/2039-7283/15/1/14urinary tract infections (UTIs)antibiotic resistanceantibiotic stewardshipepidemiology of UTIsantimicrobial consumptionPortugal
spellingShingle Francisco Rodrigues
Patrícia Coelho
Sónia Mateus
Armando Caseiro
Hatem Eideh
Teresa Gonçalves
Miguel Castelo Branco
Decoding Urinary Tract Infection Trends: A 5-Year Snapshot from Central Portugal
Clinics and Practice
urinary tract infections (UTIs)
antibiotic resistance
antibiotic stewardship
epidemiology of UTIs
antimicrobial consumption
Portugal
title Decoding Urinary Tract Infection Trends: A 5-Year Snapshot from Central Portugal
title_full Decoding Urinary Tract Infection Trends: A 5-Year Snapshot from Central Portugal
title_fullStr Decoding Urinary Tract Infection Trends: A 5-Year Snapshot from Central Portugal
title_full_unstemmed Decoding Urinary Tract Infection Trends: A 5-Year Snapshot from Central Portugal
title_short Decoding Urinary Tract Infection Trends: A 5-Year Snapshot from Central Portugal
title_sort decoding urinary tract infection trends a 5 year snapshot from central portugal
topic urinary tract infections (UTIs)
antibiotic resistance
antibiotic stewardship
epidemiology of UTIs
antimicrobial consumption
Portugal
url https://www.mdpi.com/2039-7283/15/1/14
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