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Browsing by Author "Castelo-Branco, Miguel"

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  • Epidemiological profile and antibiotic resistance in urinary tract infections among elderly women
    Publication . Rodrigues, Francisco; Patricia Coelho; Mateus, Sónia; Metello, João; Castelo-Branco, Miguel
    Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most prevalent infectious diseases in older women, especially those over 65 years of age. Physiological changes related to aging, comorbidities, and frequent use of medical devices such as urinary catheters increase susceptibility. Increasing antimicrobial resistance further complicates treatment strategies. This study aims to describe the epidemiological profile of UTI in women over 65 years of age, focusing on the characterization of etiological agents, observed antimicrobial resistance patterns, and commonly reported risk factors. We conducted a retrospective analysis of microbiological and clinical data from elderly women diagnosed with UTIs. Bacterial isolates were identified and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were evaluated over a specified period. A statistical analysis was performed to determine the prevalence of different pathogens and antibiotic resistance trends. Escherichia coli was the predominant uropathogen, consistent across different clinical scenarios and patient conditions. The four most common bacterial strains—E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, and Enterococcus faecalis—aligned with global epidemiological data. In Escherichia coli a significant increase in resistance to nitrofurantoin was observed, possibly indicating excessive empirical use, while resistance to other antibiotics, such as amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and ertapenem, remained stable or decreased. Institutional antibiotic stewardship programs likely contributed to this trend. The study highlights E. coli as the main etiological agent in elderly women with UTIs. The observed resistance patterns emphasize the need for localized antimicrobial surveillance and personalized therapeutic approaches. Continuous microbiological monitoring and rational use of antibiotics are crucial to optimize treatment outcomes and control the development of resistance.
    2025Research article Open access Show more
  • Estudo sero-epidemiológico da leishmaniose canina no concelho de Mação : resultados preliminares
    Publication . Brancal, Hugo; Matos, Ana Cristina.; Monteiro, Fernando; Brida, Telma; Martins, Manuel; Castelo-Branco, Miguel; Cardoso, Luís
    A leishmaniose causada por Leishmania infantum é uma zoonose de ampla distribuição mundial. Os cães são considerados o principal reservatório para a infecção humana. Um aumento apreciável do número de casos de infecção e doença caninas tem sido registado na maioria dos países do sul da Europa. O diagnóstico da infecção por L. infantum em cães é um pré-requisito para o maneio clínico de animais infectados e doentes e, em simultâneo, uma potencial medida de vigilância e controlo da leishmaniose visceral humana (Martinez-Moreno et al.,1999).
    2009Conference object Open access Show more
  • Urinary tract infections in a single hospital in Central Portugal: a 5-year analysis
    Publication . Coelho, Patrícia; Rodrigues, Francisco; Castelo-Branco, Miguel
    Abstract: Urinary tract infections are defined as the presence of microorganisms in any part of the urinary system, with the exception of the distal urethra. A majority of them are uncomplicated infections that are resolved on an outpatient basis, with empirical therapy. The objectives of this work were to study the sociodemographic characteristics of patients, analyze associated strains and examine the response of the main microorganisms to antibiotics. A retrospective observational study of all positive urine cultures between 2018 and 2022 was carried out at an institution (8340 samples). Sociodemographic data were also collected. In total, 61.3% were women, with an average age of 63.4 years, and 43.2% were from the Emergency Department. A total of 13.5% were fitted, 56% of whom were women. Also, 95.9% were not taking any antibiotics, and among the individuals who were taking antibiotics, 50% were injected. Escherichia coli (53.5%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (13.8%) are identified as the most prevalent strains. In the time periods analyzed, Escherichia coli decreased its resistance to 11 antibiotics and increased to 5 antibiotics, while Klebsiella pneumoniae decreased to 7 and increased to 7, with emphasis on the presence of 3 antibiotics with a resistance rate of 100% to all Klebsiella pneumoniae strains identified in 2022.
    2024Journal article Open access Show more