Question

Kim received the results of a urine culture on a patient. It shows the causative agent of the UTI as E. coli. Ten antimicrobial agents were tested but the E. coli was only sensitive to five. How will the physician decide which of the five antibiotics to use for the patient? When calling the patient, what education should Kim relay to the patient regarding the results and how to prevent another infection?

Answer 1

Urinary tract infection

Urinary tract infection( UTI) is an infection that affects the part of urinary tract. The main causative agent of UTT is E.Coli(Escherichia coi) bacteria.

Antibiotics

Any substance that can destroy or inhibit the growth of the bacteria or similar microorganisms are called antibiotics. E coli is a Gram negative bacteria and some of the strains of these bacteria are highly resistant to antibiotics such as amoxicillin and erythromycin. They are sensitive to Gentamycin, Ciprofloxacin, norflaxocin etc.

How will physician select appropriate antibiotic for the patient

Physician can select an antibiotic for a patient based on following criteria:

1. Appropriate antibiotics: Antibiotic that choosing by the physician should be based on the type of the bacteria that caused the infection. E coli is a Gram negative bacteria. so antibiotic that treat the gram negative bacteria should be selected.

2. Side effects : before choosing an antibiotic, physician has to check the side effects of the antibiotic drug. Antibiotics that are effective and also with less side effects can be selected.

3. Allergic reaction or drug interaction: Physician can take the detailed history of the patient to know the allergic hystory and drugs that are using by the patient.

4. Cost: Antibiotics that selected should be cost effective for the patient.

5. Drug resistance: E coli strains are quick to develop the resistance against Antibiotics. Correct prescription and proper use can prevent antibiotic resistant bacteria.

Education to the patient:

* timely intake of medicine without fail

* minor side effects such as headache, nausea, insomnia is normal.

* To prevent another infection: drink plenty of fluids, don't delay for urination when you have an urge to urinate, clean from front to back after urination or defecation, good personal hygiene and vitamin C ( citrus fruits) is good to prevent infection.