Publication:

Profile of Enterococcus species isolated from cases of urinary tract infections in a tertiary care hospital in Uttar Dinajpur: a retrospective study

Background Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Enterococcus species is a commensal in our gastrointestinal tract and a leading cause of UTI in humans. Enterobacterales group were the common organisms causing UTI, but in the recent years there is increase in prevalence of other organisms. This retrospective study was undertaken to understand the profile of Enterococcus species causing UTIs and their antibiogram.

Methods This study was conducted in the department of microbiology, Raiganj Government Medical College for a period of 1 year from January 2025 to December 2025. Urine samples were received in sterile universal containers and cultured using standard precautions in Hichrome UTI agar. Identification (ID) and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) were performed by using Vitek II ID and AST cards.

Results Out of 2908 urine samples received, 356 (12.2%) showed growth of organisms. Out of 356 isolates, the most common isolate was Escherichia coli 41.0%, followed by Enterococcus species 30.6%. Among the Enterococcus species, E. faecalis were 76.1% and E. faecium 23.9%. The most sensitive antibiotic was linezolid showing 100% susceptible, followed by teicoplanin 89.9% susceptible. The Enterococcus species were highly resistant to ampicillin. The prevalence of VRE was found to be 25.6%.

Conclusions The increase in drug resistance and treatment failure makes it important for proper identification and AST for targeted therapy. Proper diagnosis and starting treatment at correct time will decrease the morbidity and mortality related to these infections in humans.