LAUSR

Background Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected individuals are at increased risk of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) due to immune suppression. The increasing resistance of uropathogens necessitates the need for regular monitoring of their profile to reduce drug resistance. Objectives We determined the prevalence of ASB and the characteristics of antibiotic-resistant uropathogens isolated from HIV patients. Methods Mid-stream urine samples from 100 HIV positive and 100 HIV negative healthy individuals were cultured for significant bacteriuria. The isolates were identified by standard techniques and their susceptibility patterns determined by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique. All the Gram-negative isolates were screened for ESBL production by combined disc method, ESBL genes and class 1 integrons by Polymerase chain reaction. Results Nine (9%) HIV positive individuals and 4 (4%) healthy individuals had ASB yielding a total of 13 (6.5%) uropathogens dominated by Escherichia coli (53.9%). All isolates were multidrug resistant. Five isolates harboured both the blaTEM-1 gene and class 1integrons while Serratia liquefaciens produced ampC. Conclusion There is a higher burden of ASB characterized by multi-drug resistant uropathogens among HIV patients. Thus emphasizing the need for continuous resistance surveillance and antibiotic stewardship in our environment to reduce drug resistance and prevent treatment failure.