ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE IN URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS AMONG CHILDREN AGED 0–5 YEARS IN MOTHER AND CHILD UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL CENTER, N'DJAMENA (CHAD)

Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in pediatrics and can lead to long-term renal complications. In resource-limited countries, management is challenging because of delayed diagnosis and increasing bacterial resistance. This study describes the clinical and bacteriological characteristics and the antibiotic resistance profiles of uropathogens in children. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Mother and Child University Hospital Center in N’Djamena from January 1 to December 31, 2024. Children aged 0 to 5 years with a UTI confirmed by urine culture and urinalysis were included. Sociodemographic, clinical, and microbiological data were extracted from medical records and analyzed using STATA 14. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed according to CA-SFM guidelines. Results: Fifty-one children were included, mostly girls (60.8%). Fever (86.27%) and abdominal pain (68.62%) were the most common presenting symptoms. Escherichia coli was the predominant pathogen (35.29%), followed by Staphylococcus spp. and Proteus mirabilis. High resistance was observed to beta-lactams, quinolones, and aminoglycosides. Imipenem showed preserved activity against most isolates. Conclusion: Pediatric UTIs remain a public health concern, exacerbated by multidrug-resistant bacteria. Routine antimicrobial susceptibility testing and regular updates of treatment protocols are essential to optimize management and reduce complications.