Epidemiological insights into seasonal, sex‑specific and age‑related distribution of bacterial pathogens in urinary tract infections
Zhi-Song Zhan, Jing Shi, Zu-Shun Zheng, Xue-Xia Zhu, Juan Chen, Xinyi Zhou, Shi‐Yan Zhang
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are prevalent and recurrent bacterial infections that affect individuals worldwide, posing a significant burden on healthcare systems. The present study aimed to explore the epidemiology of UTIs, investigating the seasonal, gender‑specific and age‑related bacterial pathogen distribution to guide clinical diagnosis. Data were retrospectively collected from electronic medical records and laboratory reports of 926 UTIs diagnosed in Fuding Hospital (Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuding, China). Bacterial isolates were identified using standard microbiological techniques. χ<sup>2</sup> tests were performed to assess associations between pathogens and the seasons, sex and age groups. Significant associations were found between bacterial species and seasons. <em>Enterococcus faecium</em> exhibited a substantial prevalence in spring (χ<sup>2</sup>, 12.824; P=0.005), while <em>Acinetobacter baumannii</em> demonstrated increased prevalence in autumn (χ<sup>2</sup>, 16.404; P=0.001). Female patients showed a higher incidence of UTIs. Gram‑positive bacteria were more prevalent in males, with <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> showing significant male predominance (χ<sup>2</sup>, 14.607; P<0.001). <em>E. faecium</em> displayed an age‑related increase in prevalence (χ<sup>2</sup>, 17.775; P<0.001), whereas <em>Escherichia coli</em> tended to be more prevalent in younger patients (χ<sup>2</sup>, 12.813; P=0.005). These findings highlight the complex nature of UTIs and offer insights for tailored diagnostic and preventive strategies, potentially enhancing healthcare outcomes.