Efficacy of Anti-Microbial Agents with Ascorbic Acid in Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infection

Background: Rapid development of microbial resistance is an emerging health care issue of developing countries. In this study we evaluated the susceptibility pattern of bacterial pathogens causing catheters associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) against commonly prescribed antibiotics alone and in combination with ascorbic acid in institutional settings. Method: The urine samples from 100 catheterized patients were collected and analyzed for their causative microbial agents. Susceptibility patterns of bacteria against amikacin, ampicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, ceftriaxone, and ciprofloxacin alone and in combination with ascorbic acid were analysed by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Results: The pathogens identified in CAUTI patients were Candida spp. (22%), Citrobacter (22%), E. coli (27%), Enterobacter (5%), S. aureus (4%). Mixed growth of more than three colony types was observed in 20% cases. Bacteria appeared to be highly resistant against ceftriaxone (84%), followed by amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (83%) and ampicillin (76%). Maximal sensitivities were observed against amikacin (74%) and ciprofloxacin (71%). Improvement in susceptibility pattern of causative microorganisms was observed against Ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin In vitro, when used in combination with ascorbic acid. Conclusion: The observed synergistic interactions between ceftriaxone/ascorbic acid and ciprofloxacin/ascorbic acid indicate the beneficial aspects of combination chemotherapy by minimizing the microbial resistance and increase the effectiveness of CAUTI treatment.