Prevalence of ESBL producing uropathogens and associated risk factors in catheter associated urinary tract infections a cross-sectional study from Syria.

BACKGROUND

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are major healthcare-associated infections driven by indwelling devices that facilitate microbial adhesion. This study investigated the distribution of uropathogens in paired urine and catheter samples and evaluated the associations between extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production and clinical factors.

METHODS

A total of 100 paired urine and catheter samples (n = 100 per sample type) were analyzed using a convenience sampling approach. Clinical criteria for CAUTI diagnosis followed standardized protocols. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05; however, a formal power calculation was not performed.

RESULTS

Catheter-derived specimens demonstrated a higher bacterial yield compared to urine samples Klebsiella spp and Escherichia coli were the predominant isolates. Opportunistic pathogens like Pseudomonas spp were primarily recovered from catheter surfaces. ESBL production was higher among catheter isolates (42/88 isolates; 47.72%) compared to urine isolates (13/51 isolates; 25.4%). A significant association was observed between catheter-derived isolates and ESBL positivity (OR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.25-5.67, p < 0.05). Advanced age, prolonged catheterization, and chronic diseases were associated with increased bacterial growth; however, these correlations are unadjusted and may be influenced by confounding factors.

CONCLUSION

Urinary catheters serve as reservoirs for MDR uropathogens. While associations were found between device duration and resistance, the use of convenience sampling limits the generalizability of these findings.