A Comparative Analysis of Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern in Biofilm-Forming and Non-Biofilm Forming Uropathogens Isolated from a Tertiary Care Hospital, Lucknow

Abstract

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs), one of the most common bacterial diseases in the world, are often caused by uropathogens such as Escherichia coli. Biofilm production is critical to the persistence and recurrence of many diseases, and it also contributes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Understanding the relationship between resistance patterns and biofilm formation is essential for effective therapy. Aim: To compare antimicrobial susceptibility patterns between biofilm‑forming and non‑biofilm‑forming uropathogens and to evaluate three biofilm detection methods. Method: Urine samples were taken from patients at a tertiary care hospital in Lucknow over the course of six months. Congo Red Agar (CRA), the Tube Method, and the Microtiter Plate (MTP) assay were used to identify uropathogenic isolates and detect biofilms. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method in compliance with CLSI guidelines. Result: Out of 112 isolates, 52 uropathogens yielded, which has given 60% positive result for CRA & Tube method, whereas it has only given 11% positive biofilm test for MTP method. Biofilm-positive isolates demonstrated greater resistance to aminoglycosides and tetracycline, but ESBL and MBL isolates showed maximum resistance regardless of biofilm status. Conclusion: Biofilms are frequently formed by uropathogens, which might result in therapy failure and recurrence. Managing multidrug-resistant bacteria and recurrent UTIs requires strict antibiotic management and routine biofilm detection.