ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE IN URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS AMONG CHILDREN AGED 0–5 YEARS IN MOTHER AND CHILD UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL CENTER, N’DJAMENA (CHAD)

Ngaringuem Adrienne*, Ildjima Ousman K., Souam Nguélé S., Djidita Hagré Y., Hassan Adam A., Bessimbaye Nadlaou

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in pediatrics and can lead to long-term renal
complications. In resource-limited countries, management is challenging because of delayed diagnosis and
increasing bacterial resistance. This study describes the clinical and bacteriological characteristics and the
antibiotic resistance profiles of uropathogens in children. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was
conducted at the Mother and Child University Hospital Center in N’Djamena from January 1 to December 31,
2024. Children aged 0 to 5 years with a UTI confirmed by urine culture and urinalysis were included.
Sociodemographic, clinical, and microbiological data were extracted from medical records and analyzed using
STATA 14. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed according to CA-SFM guidelines. Results: Fiftyone
children were included, mostly girls (60.8%). Fever (86.27%) and abdominal pain (68.62%) were the most
common presenting symptoms. Escherichia coli was the predominant pathogen (35.29%), followed by
Staphylococcus spp. and Proteus mirabilis. High resistance was observed to beta-lactams, quinolones, and
aminoglycosides. Imipenem showed preserved activity against most isolates. Conclusion: Pediatric UTIs remain a
public health concern, exacerbated by multidrug-resistant bacteria. Routine antimicrobial susceptibility testing and
regular updates of treatment protocols are essential to optimize management and reduce complications.

Keywords: urinary tract infection; resistance; antibiotics; children; Chad.