PREVALENCE AND SUSCEPTIBILITY PROFILE OF PROTEUS MIRABILLIS IN URINE CULTURES OF OUTPATIENTS TREATED IN A MUNICIPALITY IN SOUTHWEST GOIÁS

Abstract

Introduction: Proteus mirabillis is a Gram-negative enterobacteria closely associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs). The bacterium has the characteristic of developing biofilm on solid surfaces, such as urinary catheters, which favors its proliferation and ascension to the urinary tract. The bacterium is capable of developing severe UTIs and is resistant to therapeutic responses to routine antimicrobials for clinical treatment. Methodology: Urine culture results were collected from outpatients in the municipality of Mineiros, Goiás, from 2013 to 2022, to measure the sensitivity and resistance profile to routine antimicrobials for the treatment of UTI caused by Proteus mirabillis. Results and discussion: The prevalence of UTI caused by P. mirabillis in the municipality of Mineiros represents 0.29% of positive tests for some microorganism, out of a total of 17,647 reports. Cases showed an increase in incidence rates over the last four years of the study. Women have a higher prevalence of UTI cases, due to anatomical and hormonal changes; the study reported a 68.18% percentage of cases in female patients. The epidemiological profile of antimicrobial response revealed a higher sensitivity rate for beta-lactam drugs such as cefoxitin, ertapemem, and piperacycline/tazopactam. Quinolones showed intermediate sensitivity in the population tested. Nitrofurantoin, a first-line therapeutic drug, showed a higher rate of antimicrobial resistance in patients with UTI caused by P. mirabillis. Conclusion: Understanding the epidemiological profile of the population allows for appropriate treatment strategies, considering the antimicrobial response to pathogens, to ensure better patient management. The research also provides health education for professionals regarding the region studied.