Prevalence of urinary pathogen and antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates in cervical cancer patient attending BPKMCH Bharatpur, Chitwan

Introduction: This study aimed to identify urinary tract infections in cervical cancer patients treated at BPKMCH Bharatpur, Chitwan, and test isolates for antibiotic susceptibility. Cervical cancer, a disease with abnormal cell development, can spread to other parts of the body. Treatment modalities like surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and anticancer medication increase the risk of infections. 

Methodology: Urine samples from cervical cancer patients at BPKMCH, Chitwan, were processed using standard guidelines in the Microbiology Laboratory. Isolates were identified using biochemical tests and techniques. Pure colonies were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility on Mueller Hinton agar (MHA) using Kirby-Beur disc diffusion method, following CLSI guideline 2017.

Results: A study of 350 cervical cancer specimens revealed that 43.1% contained significant growth of microorganisms, with Escherichia coli having the highest predominance at 35.9%. Staphylococcus aureus was the most prevalent Gram positive organism, with most isolates resistant to Ampicillin, Cotrimoxazole, and Cefixime. Polymyxin B and Imipenem were most effective for Gram Negative bacilli, while Vancomycin and Azithromycin were most effective for Gram Positive cocci.

Conclusion: Out of 350 patients, 43.1% had a UTI. Cervical cancer patients are more likely to get UTI as a result of immunosuppressive medication therapy and invasive surgery. As a result, they should be evaluated on a regular basis for the development of UTI, and their treatment should include AST. Such hospital-based study should be conducted to establish empirical therapy of UTI among cervical cancer patients with UTI, as well as to ensure adequate treatment and care.