Antibiotic Resistance and Susceptibility Patterns of Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolated from Urine Cultures at the Medical Tobruk Center in 2024

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance in uropathogenic Klebsiella pneumoniae has increasingly complicated the empirical treatment of urinary tract infections, necessitating the availability of locally relevant susceptibility data to guide therapy. Aim: This study aimed to determine the antibiotic resistance and susceptibility patterns of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from urine cultures at the Medical Tobruk Center during 2024. Methods: A retrospective descriptive laboratory-based study was conducted at the Medical Tobruk Center, Libya, between 1 January and 31 December 2024. All urine cultures processed during this period were reviewed, and non-duplicate Klebsiella spp. isolates with available susceptibility data were included. Specimens were collected aseptically and cultured on blood and MacConkey agar, followed by incubation at 37°C for 18–24 hours. Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed using standardised methods, and results were categorised as susceptible, intermediate, or resistant. Demographic and clinical data were analysed using SPSS version 25. Results: A total of 60 isolates were analysed, with a mean patient age of 28.57 ± 24.26 years. Patients aged ≤30 years accounted for 53.3% of cases. The outpatient department contributed the highest proportion of isolates (50.0%). Complete resistance to ampicillin was observed (100%), while high resistance was noted for ceftriaxone (68.0%) and cefotaxime (68.6%). Amikacin demonstrated the highest susceptibility (79.6%), followed by ertapenem (65.5%) and imipenem (61.7%). Fluoroquinolone susceptibility was moderate. Conclusion: Significant resistance to commonly used antibiotics was identified, whereas amikacin and carbapenems retained better efficacy. These findings highlight the need to revise empirical treatment guidelines, strengthen antimicrobial stewardship, and promote routine antibiogram surveillance.