Phenotypic Detection and Multidrug-Resistant Profiling of Escherichia coli Isolated from Diabetic UTIs Patients in Bauchi Metropolis, Bauchi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) affect people of all ages and sexes and are common infections that may cause inflammation, substantial discomfort, and, occasionally, fatal complications. Their treatment is increasingly complicated by antimicrobial resistance. Escherichia coli is the principal cause of UTIs, and patients with diabetes are particularly susceptible because of impaired host defences and elevated blood glucose levels. Aims: The aim of this study was to phenotypically detect and identify multidrug-resistant uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from diabetic patients with urinary tract infections in Bauchi Metropolis, Bauchi State. Study Design: This was a cross-sectional study involving diabetic patients with symptomatic UTIs who attended diabetic clinics for follow-up at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) and Bauchi State Specialist Hospital, Bauchi State, Nigeria. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Bauchi State, Nigeria, from July to October 2025. Samples were collected at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) and Bauchi State Specialist Hospital, both located in Bauchi metropolis. Methodology: A total of 288 diabetic patients were enrolled in the study. Clean-catch midstream urine samples were collected from all participants in sterile containers, labelled, and transported to the laboratory. Each urine sample was streaked onto cysteine lactose electrolyte-deficient (CLED) agar and incubated at 37°C for 24 h. The isolates were identified using standard methods, and the data obtained were analysed statistically. Results: A total of 64 (22.2%) E. coli isolates were recovered from diabetic patients, of which 57 were multidrug resistant. The highest proportions of E. coli and multidrug-resistant E. coli isolates occurred in the 40–49-year age group (40.6% and 43.9%, respectively). Females accounted for 59.4% of E. coli isolates and 59.6% of multidrug-resistant E. coli isolates, whereas males accounted for 40.6% and 40.4%, respectively. The 20–29-year age group had the lowest occurrence, with six isolates (9.4%). There was no significant association between age group and the number of isolates (p > 0.05). Patients with Type 2 diabetes had a higher frequency of isolates than those with Type 1 diabetes. Conclusion: The study showed that E. coli infection occurred more frequently among middle-aged patients, females, and patients with Type 2 diabetes. A high proportion of the isolates was multidrug resistant, indicating a substantial challenge for antibiotic selection. The occurrence of multidrug-resistant E. coli isolates supports the need for strengthened control measures and policies promoting the appropriate use of antibiotics.