A Study of Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria Isolated from Urine Samples of Individuals with Urinary Tract Infections in Basrah City

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are a rapidly emerging global health problem, contributing significantly in antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the present status of the bacterial species involved with UTIs in Basrah City, to determine sensitivity and resistance profile of these bacteria to commonly used antibiotics and to investigate the demographic and clinical risk factors associated to their antibiotic resistance. Methodology: Urine samples were taken between December 2025 to April 2026 from patients in Basrah hospitals using standard microbiological methods. Methods employed were biochemical tests and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST), by the disc diffusion method and by using Vitek 2 Compact system; through which, the sensitivity of the bacteria to common antibiotics was determined. Results: This study found that Escherichia coli (E. coli) predominate (46%) followed by Staphylococcus haemolyticus (18%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (10%). The percentage of antibiotic resistance was high with Ciprofloxacin recording 80% and Gentamicin 66%. Conversely, Colistin had high efficacy (84%) followed by Ceftazidime (78%). Resistance is thought to be due to several mechanisms, such as the production of beta-lactamase by E. coli, resistance genes in Staphylococcus haemolyticus, formation of biofilm-like structures in Klebsiella pneumoniae, inappropriate antibiotic use and environmental factors. Conclusion: The results revealed a high rate of antibiotic resistance in Basrah city, so that the guidelines for treatment should be updated and the adoption of correct methods to prevent antibiotic resistance.