Microbiological Characteristics and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli in Urinary Tract Infections: A Literature Review

Abstract

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections, with uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) as the main causative agent. This literature review aims to examine the microbiological characteristics and antibiotic resistance patterns of UPEC. Based on the analyzed literature, UPEC possesses various virulence factors, such as fimH adhesin, biofilm formation, hemolysin production, and iron acquisition systems that support colonization, persistence, and infection recurrence. In addition, UPEC shows increased resistance to several antibiotics, particularly fluoroquinolones, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and β-lactams, as well as the emergence of MDR and ESBL strains. Therefore, antibiotic selection based on susceptibility testing and local resistance surveillance is necessary to support more effective UTI management.