Teixeira, Miguel J.Pretorius, VianHunt, Robert C.J.G.Morar, SanamColloty, JamieRadebe, Caleb M.Morar, Rajen2026-01-282026-01-282025-11-30Teixeira, M.J., Pretorius, V., Hunt, R.C.J.G. et al. A retrospective analysis of uropathogens isolated and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns at a regional hospital in North West province, South Africa. African Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;14(1), a2845. https://doi.org/10.4102/ajlm.v14i1.2845.2225-2002 (print)2225-2010 (online)10.4102/ajlm.v14i1.2845http://hdl.handle.net/2263/107622DATA AVAILABILITY : The data that support the findings of this study are not openly available due to reasons of sensitivity and are available from the corresponding author, M.J.T. upon reasonable request.BACKGROUND : Urinary tract infections are among the most common infections affecting the general population. Their high incidence, as well as frequent antimicrobial use, contribute significantly to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). OBJECTIVE : To determine the profile and prevalence of uropathogens isolated from urine specimens at a regional hospital and assess susceptibility patterns to commonly used antimicrobials recommended by the National Essential Medicines List (NEML). METHODS : This was a retrospective evaluation of laboratory reports for all urine specimens submitted between 01 January 2020 and 31 December 2023. RESULTS : The most frequently cultured organisms were Escherichia coli (n = 1481; 42%); Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 568; 16%); Enterococcus faecalis (n = 249; 7%); Proteus mirabilis (n = 229; 7%), Enterobacter cloacae (n = 137; 4%), and Candida albicans (n = 119; 3%). Escherichia coli maintained high sensitivity to antimicrobials such as nitrofurantoin (92.2%) and gentamicin (90.6%), whilst K. pneumoniae had decreased sensitivities of 40% and 77%, respectively. Cumulative sensitivities of commonly used first-line antimicrobials showed low rates of susceptibility to ciprofloxacin (77%), nitrofurantoin (67%), and amoxicillin/clavulanate (68.7%). CONCLUSION : Escherichia coli was the most commonly identified isolate and remains sensitive to nitrofurantoin. It was, however, resistant to ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, and trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole, as were all the other Gram-negative organisms. These sensitivity patterns do not align with the antimicrobials recommended in the current NEML guidelines, and highlight the need for targeted therapy and interventions. What this study adds: This retrospective analysis identifies predominant uropathogens’ updated antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, some of which misalign with NEML guidelines. Insights will guide targeted antimicrobial stewardship, empiric therapy, and local surveillance to curb AMR.en© 2025. The Authors. Licensee: AOSIS. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license.Urinary tract infectionsAntimicrobial resistance (AMR)Escherichia coliNitrofurantoinCiprofloxacinArticle