Abstract Introduction: Nosocomial infections are threat to patients, especially in high-risk areas such as intensive care units (ICU). Urinary tract infections are the most common among them. Aim: To study the occurrence, spectrum and antibiotic resistance profile of urinary tract infections in high risk areas. Methods: A study was carried out for six months during Feb-July, 2012 in 819 urine samples received from ICU department. Allurinary samples were collected under sterile conditions. Culture was done on Blood agar and MacConkey Agar. Isolates were identified by standard biochemical tests. Antibiotic sensitivity testing was done on Muller Hilton Agar (MHA) by disk diffusion method and interpreted using CLSI guidelines. Results: Out of 819 urine samples from ICU patients, 93(11.4%) had significant bacteriuria. Candida spp. 30(32.3%), was the most common followed by Enterococcus spp. 19(20.4%), and Escherichia coli 12(12.9%). Nitrofurantoin (66.7%) and Piperacillin-tazobactum (58.3%) was mostly sensitive and second generation Cephalosporins, Ampicillin and Amoxicillin clavulanate were the most resistant among all. ThreeImipenem resistant bacteria were isolated. Above 90% resistance was seen in aminoglycosides and fluroquinolone group of drugs. Vancomycin was resistant in 8(42.1%) isolates of Enterococcus spp. whereas all isolates were sensitive to Linezolid. Conclusion: The Spectrum of uro-pathogens and their resistant pattern to common antimicrobial agents is changing and must be taken into account when selecting treatment strategies.

Keywords: Urinary infection, ICU patients, drug resistance.