CHARACTERIZATION OF ESCHERICHIA COLI ISOLATED FROM GYNAECOLOGICAL AND UTI PATIENTS IN DISTRICT D.I. KHAN, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA

Abstract

Gynaecological and urinary tract infections, which can lead to severe outcomes, are major global health issues, particularly for women. Ensuring the maintenance of a strong vaginal microbiota in women throughout their reproductive years is extremely important. Infections caused by microbial pathogens, particularly Escherichia coli, have significant implications for the well-being of women and the welfare of newborns. The rising prevalence of E. coli and antibiotic resistance underscores the urgent worldwide need to achieve safe and efficient therapy. The objective of this study was to provide a detailed description of E. coli strains obtained from gynaecological patients and analytically examine their drug resistance profiles. This analysis included the identification of antibiotic resistance genes such as blaNDM-1, blaTEM, and OXA.Acquired gynaecological infections were detected in 55% of the female patients. In the present investigation, the E. coli strains collected had a prevalence rate of 47.5%. The age cohort ranging from 36 to 45 exhibits the highest level of pollution, reaching 80%, with those aged 16 to 25 closely trailing behind. 60%. The findings indicated that individuals with GNB infections in the region exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR). Approximately 60% of the E. coli (GNB) bacteria in the area have demonstrated resistance to amoxicillin, Nitrofurantoin, Ampicillin, Sulphamethox/trimethoprim, and Meropenem, suggesting the existence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) colonies. The present study aims to provide valuable assistance to clinical practitioners in the appropriate prescription of drugs for the treatment of gynaecological infections in pregnant women.