Evaluation of Antibiotic Resistance Pattern of Bacterial Isolates from the Genital Tract

Abstract

Background: infections caused by  antibiotic resistance bacteria constitute major public health issue . The increasing prevalence of genital tract infections (GTIs) has become a significant challenge due to rising antibiotic resistance. therefore, this study aimed to identify antibiotic susceptibility patterns of bacterial isolates obtained from genital tract sample.

Methodology:

 Samples were collected from May 2023 to December 2024, 168 genital samples (109 males and 59 females) from two hospitals in Baghdad, Iraq. These samples included semen, cervical smears, urethral secretions, and upper vaginal swabs. Isolates were identified after cultured on standard media, and their antimicrobial  susceptibility testing was performed using the VITEK 2 Compact system.

Results:

 The results revealed that out of 113(67%)  samples, 55 samples exhibited microbial growth, while the remaining samples showed no microbial growth.

Over time, a significant decrease in microbial growth showed from females samples. the most common pathogens included Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus hemolyticus, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. In 24 cases, Candida albicans was isolated only from females. A widespread prevalence of  multidrug resistance (MDR) was observed, particularly among Gram-positive cocci. Enterococcus faecalis exhibited erythromycin resistance (ER) of 100% and vancomycin resistance (VD) of 17.6%. While Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae showed varying degrees of resistance, carbapenems and aminoglycosides retained significant efficacy against them. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains were also identified.

Conclusion:

 This study reveals the substantial variety of the microbial environment in genital tract infections and shows the occurrence of multidrug-resistant species.Based on these results, it can concluded that continuous monitoring and judicious antibiotic use are crucial for successful therapeutic management and avoiding the induction of resistance.