Asymptomatic urinary tract infection with multidrug resistant pathogens in retro positive patients on ART

Abstract

Introduction: Asymptomatic urinary tract infection refers to occurrence of bacteria in urine without causing symptoms. UTI is more prevalent among retro positive patients compared to people without HIV. Objectives – The study was done to determine prevalence of UTI, common etiologies and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of urinary isolates among HIV seropositive patients attending ART centre for CD4 counts. Materials & Methods: –A total of 109 patients without any symptoms of UTI were included in the study. AST was done using Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method.CD4 count was done using FACS counter. Results: Out of the 109 cases tested, 55 were males, and 54 cases were females. No growth was seen in 60 (55.04%) samples, insignificant bacteriuria in 9(8.26%) samples. Significant growth was seen in 40 samples (36.7%). Among the 54 females, 44% had significant growth. Among 55 males, significant growth was seen in 29.1%. The isolated organisms included Escherichia coli - 9(22.5%), Staphylococcus aureus - 7(17.5%), Candida albicans - 7(17.5%). Bacterial isolates showing resistance to three or more categories of antibiotics were considered Multidrug resistant (MDR). Multidrug resistance was seen among 16 bacterial isolates (48.5%). HIV positive patients with CD4 counts of <200 had higher rates of asymptomatic bacteriuria. Conclusion: Screening of HIV seropositive patients with lower CD4 counts for asymptomatic UTI helps in early diagnosis and appropriate, early management of MDR will reduce morbidity.