Hilmi Onur Kabukçu, Funda Çatan İnan, Fethiye Yıldız, Çetin Kılınç, Ayşe Ece Gökkaya, Metin Asıleren, Eren Yıldız
Kastamonu Medical Journal - 2025;5(4):265-271
Aims: The development of antibiotic resistance in urinary tract infections (UTIs) has become a major public health concern due to its association with treatment failure. This study aimed to investigate the distribution of uropathogens causing UTIs in children in the Black Sea region, to evaluate antibiotic resistance patterns over time, to identify risk factors influencing resistance development, and to provide guidance for the selection of appropriate empirical antibiotics. Methods: This retrospective study included 1,252 pediatric patients aged 1 month to 18 years who were diagnosed with UTIs at the Pediatric Outpatient Clinic of Kastamonu Training and Research Hospital between 2021 and 2023. Uropathogens were categorized by age, sex, and year of isolation, and their antibiotic resistance was compared across these groups. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) positivity was also analyzed. Results: The most frequently isolated uropathogen was Escherichia coli (E. coli) (78%), with the highest resistance rates observed against ampicillin (61.5%) and amoxicillin-clavulanate (42.1%). Statistically significant differences in resistance were found between age groups and across different years. The ESBL positivity rate was 10.9%, predominantly associated with E. coli and older age groups. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the regional antibiotic resistance profile, serving as a guide for empirical treatment selection. Regional resistance data should be considered before initiating therapy, and treatment should be promptly revised based on culture results. Public awareness and training programs on rational antibiotic use are strongly recommended.
