Evaluating Association between Glycosylated Hemoglobin and the Spectrum and Antibiotic Resistance of Uropathogens: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial resistance among uropathogens causing community-acquired urinary tract infections (UTIs) is a worldwide concern. It has been suggested that diabetes could be a possible cause of antibiotic resistance. This study was undertaken to identify the responsible microbial culprits for UTI in patients with different range of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) and evaluate their corresponding resistance pattern.

Methods: In a cross-sectional study between 2013 to 2018, data related to the urine culture and sensitivity of patients who had bacteriuria were gathered. For patients with positive urine culture, HbA1C was requested and correlations between HbA1C level with microorganism and its susceptibility were evaluated.

Results: In total, 121 patients were recruited. All study participants were female. The mean age of the patients was 50.2 ± 22.5 (range 19-96). All study participants were of the same race. Fifteen (12.4%) out of 121 patients were diabetics. There were no difference between bacteriology of UTIs in diabetic and nondiabetic patients with the preponderance being caused by E. coli and other gram-negative organisms but, there were positive association between HbA1C and resistance to Nalidixic acid and Gentamicin.

Conclusion: Our study supports the findings that diabetes in itself could be a possible cause of antibiotic resistance to some antimicrobial agents.  

J Pharm Care 2019; 7(3): 70-74.