%0 Journal Article
%T Characterization of Bacterial Pathogens of the Urinary Tract in Type 2 Diabetes Patients at Mzuzu Central Hospital, Northern Malawi
%A Thomas Stuart Mughogho
%A Shiphrah Kuriah
%A Patrick Owili
%A Master Chisale
%A Pizga Kumwenda
%A Zhang Ning
%A Shakira Chimberenga
%J Open Journal of Medical Microbiology
%P 36-54
%@ 2165-3380
%D 2025
%I Scientific Research Publishing
%R 10.4236/ojmm.2025.151003
%X <b>Background:</b> People with type 2 diabetes are more vulnerable to infections due to a weakened immune system caused by diabetes-related factors. Urinary tract infections caused by bacteria are associated with antibiotic resistance and severe recurrent disease. <b>Methods:</b> This cross-sectional study characterized uropathogenic bacteria and assessed beta-lactamases linked to antibiotic resistance with a sample size of 294. In this research, bacteria from urine culture were identified by mass spectrometry-MALDI-TOF-MS and standard biochemical assays. A phenotypic confirmatory disc diffusion test (PCDDT) was utilized to assess Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) generating isolates. <b>Results:</b> The prevalence of Urinary Tract Infection was 11% (n = 294). Prevalence was significantly higher in those with a mean Random Blood Sugar (RBS) of &gt;190 g/dl (13.1%) than in those with a mean RBS of &#8804;190 g/dl (<i>X</i><sup>2</sup>:<i> p = </i>0<i>.</i>029). The prevalence of UTIs was also significantly higher among traders (29%, <i>X</i><sup>2</sup>:<i> p</i> = 0.019) than among employed (16.6%) and unemployed (7.2%) participants. UTI prevalence was significantly higher among those with type 2 diabetes between 5 and 10 years since medical diagnosis (17%, <i>X</i><sup>2</sup>: <i>p</i> = 0.029) than among those diagnosed &lt; 5 years. The most isolated bacteria were <i>E. coli</i> (43.8%), <i>Klebsiella</i> spp. (34.4%), and <i>Enterobacter</i> spp. (12.5%). <i>E. coli</i> exhibited the highest level of antibiotic resistance, including resistance to 3<sup>rd</sup> generation Cephalosporin. Phenotypic ESBL confirmatory test showed 62.5% of the <i>E. coli</i> being positive for ESBL production. <b>Conclusion:</b> UTIs were common in type 2 diabetics, especially in those with &gt;190 g/dl mean RBS. There was a concerning 62.5% ESBL-producing <i>E. coli</i> that were resistant to antibiotics, which is a serious threat to public health. Thus, regular UTI screening and AST should be utilized before prescription to facilitate Antibiotic resistance surveillance and promote early diagnosis, treatment, and infection control.
%K Diabetes
%K Immunity
%K Urinary Tract Infections
%K Antibiotic Resistance
%K Phenotypic Confirmatory Disc Diffusion Test (PCDDT)
%K Beta-Lactamase
%K Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactams (ESBL)
%U http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=141173