ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY PROFILE OF KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE ISOLATED FROM URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN LAHORE

Abstract

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are prevalent bacterial infections often complicated by multidrug-resistant pathogens. Klebsiella pneumoniae, a key uropathogen, exhibits rising resistance to common antibiotics, highlighting the need for local susceptibility monitoring to guide empirical therapy and curb antimicrobial resistance. Objective: To assess the antibiotic susceptibility phenotype of K. pneumoniae isolates from UTI cases in Lahore. Methodology: 92 urine samples from suspected UTI patients were analysed. K. pneumoniae was isolated using conventional microbiological methods, with susceptibility tested via Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion per CLSI guidelines. MDR and ESBL production were evaluated, and statistical analyses examined associations with age and gender. Results: K. pneumoniae was isolated from 27 samples (29.3%), predominantly in females (66.7% vs. 33.3% males). Carbapenems (imipenem, meropenem) and amikacin were most sensitive; cephalosporins (ceftriaxone, ceftazidime) and fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin) were most resistant. 55.6% isolates were MDR, 44.4% ESBL-producing. ESBL production correlated with MDR (p=0.016); no significant associations with age or gender, though older groups showed slightly higher resistance to some antibiotics. Conclusion: Moderate K. pneumoniae prevalence in Lahore UTIs, with alarming MDR and ESBL rates. Carbapenems and amikacin remain effective treatments. Regular monitoring of resistance patterns is crucial for empirical therapy and antibiotic stewardship programs.