Risk factors for antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli isolated from community-acquired urinary tract infections in Dakar, Senegal

Objectives: To assess overall resistance rates and risk factors for resistance to ampicillin, co-amoxiclav, nalidixic acid, fluoroquinolones and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole in Escherichia coli strains isolated from outpatients with acute urinary tract infection in Dakar (Senegal). Patients and methods: From June 2001 to June 2003, a prospective study was performed among Senegalese outpatients consulting at the Institut Pasteur of Dakar for urine analysis. Evaluated risk factors were: age, gender, prior hospitalization, antibiotic exposure, urinary tract infection and urinary catheter. Results: A total of 398 non-duplicate, consecutive, biologically significant E. coli were isolated. The levels of antibiotic resistance in Dakar appeared dramatic and worrisome with resistance rates ranging from 18.6% for fluoroquinolones to 73.6% for ampicillin. With the exception of the presence of urinary catheter, the risk factors identified were consistent with data previously reported in developed countries. Conclusions: We hope our results will assist medical authorities in the development of appropriate control strategies.