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Publication
Epidemiological profile and antibiotic resistance in urinary tract infections among elderly women
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
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.
Description
Due to ethical restrictions and the protection of participants’ confidentiality, the data are not publicly available. However, the datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
Keywords
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) Antibiotic resistance Antibiotic stewardship Epidemiology of UTIs Elderly women
Pedagogical Context
Citation
RODRIGUES, F.J.B. [et al.] (2025) - Epidemiological profile and antibiotic resistance in urinary tract infections among elderly women. Women. Vol. 5, n.º 16. DOI: 10.3390/women5020016
Publisher
MDPI