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Abstract

This retrospective cross-sectional study evaluated antibiotic prescribing patterns and bacterial resistance for urinary tract infections (UTIs) at Buraidah Central Hospital (BCH), Saudi Arabia. Data from 401 UTI patients (January 2021–March 2022) were analyzed. Females constituted 52.6% of cases, and patients aged 60–75 years were most affected (35.2%). Escherichia coli (32.9%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (24.4%) were the predominant pathogens. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (n=317) revealed high sensitivity to tigecycline (72.9%), amikacin (72.6%), and meropenem (72.2%), but significant resistance to ampicillin (52.4%), ciprofloxacin (46.1%), and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX; 43.2%). Empirical antibiotics (n=158 prescriptions) were predominantly ceftriaxone 1g (24.1%) and ciprofloxacin 500mg (11.4%). For definitive treatment (n=264 prescriptions), ciprofloxacin 500mg (15.2%), meropenem 1g (9.5%), and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid 625mg (8.7%) were most prescribed. Most patients (61%) received one antibiotic, while 19% received none due to comorbidities. The study underscores high resistance to commonly used antibiotics (ampicillin, ciprofloxacin) and confirms the efficacy of carbapenems and aminoglycosides. Routine urine culture and sensitivity testing before initiating antimicrobial therapy are critical. Local resistance patterns should guide empirical treatment to optimize efficacy, reduce resistance, and lower healthcare costs. Adherence to follow-up visits post-diagnosis is essential for appropriate antibiotic adjustment‎.

Keywords: UTIs, Antibiotics, Prescribing patterns, Antimicrobial resistance, Saudi Arabia

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