The Phenotype Frequency of Broad-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli in Elderly Women with Urinary Tract Infection in Qom City (Iran)

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) are one of the most important type of infections in young and elderly women. Studies have indicated that Escherichia coli is one of the major causes of this type of infection. This bacterium can produce broad-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) that are able to inactivate beta-lactam antibiotics. This study was conducted with the aim of phenotypic determination of ESBL in E. coli bacteria isolated from urinary tract infections of elderly women.
This experimental study was performed on 300 women over 50 years of age, who referred to laboratories of Qom city (for urine culture). The isolated E. coli was identified using biochemical tests, then ESBL producing isolates were detected using combined disc method and the presence of ESBL was determined.
Out of 300 urine samples, 82 E. coli strains were obtained. The resistance Pattern to cefotaxime was 37.81%, and to ceftazidime was 23.17%. Also, 52.63% of the isolated bacteria were phenotypically ESBL.
E. coli is one of the common causes of urinary tract infection in elderly women over 50 years of age, and the incidence of ESBL-mediated resistance enzymes can endanger this age group in society. Therefore, continuous monitoring of these individuals prevents severe symptoms and the risks caused by UTI.