A Retrospective study on Prevalence and Analysis of antibiogram of E. coli isolated from various clinical samples at Tertiary Care Hospital, Nadiad

Abstract

Background: E. coli is a leading cause of nosocomial infections, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), sepsis, and wound infections. The growing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance, particularly among strains producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), poses substantial challenges to infection management. This study investigates the prevalence and resistance patterns of E. coli in clinical samples at a tertiary care hospital in Nadiad.

Materials and Methods: This retrospective study, conducted at Dr. N. D. Desai Faculty of Medical Science and Research, Nadiad, assessed various clinical specimens, including urine, sputum, pus, swab and blood. The study included all patients across age groups who submitted initial clinical samples for bacteriological culture and sensitivity testing. Samples were cultured on standard media, and bacterial isolates were identified using conventional microbiological methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined through the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, adhering to CLSI guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS. 

Results: E. coli isolates were most prevalent in urine samples and among females. Carbapenems (Meropenem) and Gentamicin showed high sensitivity, while significant resistance was observed for Ampicillin and Fluoroquinolones. Nitrofurantoin and Fosfomycin were most effective for urine isolates. The highest positive cases were reported from Surgery and Medicine departments.

Conclusion: The study highlights urine as the primary source of *E. coli* infections, with higher prevalence in females. Carbapenems and Nitrofurantoin showed excellent efficacy, while resistance to Ampicillin and Fluoroquinolones was significant. These findings emphasize the need for targeted antibiotic stewardship and infection control measures, particularly in Surgery and Medicine departments.