Antibiotic susceptibility of unselected uropathogenic Escherichia coli from female Dutch general practice patients: a comparison of two surveys with a 5-year interval.

Background: To optimize empirical treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs), regular evaluation of the antibiotic susceptibility of the most common uropathogen, Escherichia coli, is necessary. We compared the antibiotic prescription rate for UTIs in women and E. coli antibiotic susceptibility results, including the prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing strains, in 2009 with data collected 5 years ago. Methods: Urinary samples of female patients with symptoms of uncomplicated UTI in 42 general practices, all participating in the Sentinel Stations network of NIVEL, were collected during a 6-month period. Uropathogens were identified and the antibiotic susceptibility of E. coli was determined. Results: We analysed 970 urine cultures, of which 785 (81%) were considered positive (103 cfu/ml). Escherichia coli accounted for 72% of the isolates. ESBLs showed an increase between both surveys (0.1 versus 1%, P < 0.05), while no difference in antibiotic susceptibility of the commonly used antimicrobial agents for UTIs was observed. A significantly lower susceptibility rate to co-amoxiclav was observed in the eastern region compared with the northern part of the country (80 versus 92%, P < 0.05). Consistent with national guidelines, the prescription rate of trimethoprim decreased over time (19 versus 5%, P < 0.05) whereas nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin rates showed an increase (58 versus 66% and 0 versus 5% respectively, both P < 0.05). Conclusions: The antibiotic susceptibility of uropathogenic E. coli did not change over a 5-year period in female patients with uncomplicated UTI in The Netherlands, but ESBL-prevalence increased. With respect to the prescription of antimicrobial agents a good compliance to national UTI guidelines was observed