Abstract

Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infectious diseases worldwide. Approximately >50% of women at least once in their lifetime have suffered from UTI and received antibiotic treatment. Serious UTIs are difficult to treat as it involves a wide array of Gram-positive as well as Gram-negative bacteria. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the primary causative agent implicated in >80% of UTI cases. Current approach to treatment: A variety of drugs are indicated for the treatment of various clinical forms of UTI. These include nitrofurantoin, cotrimoxazole, fluoroquinolones, some cephalosporins, piperacillin-tazobactam, meropenem, ertapenem etc. Recently various studies have reported ciprofloxacin resistance among E. coli, the most common uropathogen. Review of literature pertaining to ciprofloxacin resistance: The prevalence, factors contributing to resistance and mechanism thereof have been reviewed. Hence, it is necessary to rationalize the use of ciprofloxacin to control the threat of antibiotic resistance. Conclusion: The incidence of resistance to ciprofloxacin has increased steadily during the past few years. Thus, the empirical use of fluoroquinolones for treatment of UTI should be reconsidered and the drug used only whenthere are clear laboratory tests confirming sensitivity to the drug.

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