Prevalence of Drug-Resistant Bacteria in Urinary Tract Infection Patients and the Influence of Seasonal Variations on UTI Incidence in Kirkuk City

Abstract

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), mainly caused by Escherichia coli, are a major health concern, affecting over 150 million people globally each year, with a lifetime prevalence of 40-50% among females. This study, conducted from May 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024, in three hospitals in Kirkuk City, aimed to assess the frequency of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in UTI patients and examine the effect of seasonal variation. A total of 250 patients aged 17-78 were enrolled, with 110 confirmed UTI cases. Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed using the VITEK2 system and the disk diffusion method. Results showed a higher incidence of UTIs during the summer months, likely due to dehydration and increased bacterial growth. E. coli was the most common pathogen (39.1%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (22.7%) and Proteus mirabilis (14.5%), all exhibiting significant multidrug resistance. The findings highlight a seasonal pattern in UTIs, particularly among females, with higher prevalence in warmer months.