Rise in ciprofloxacin resistance in Escherichia coli from urinary tract infections from 1999–2004

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common infections in humans, with Escherichia coli being the dominant pathogen. It is usual to treat patients with uncomplicated bacterial cystitis using empirical antimicrobial therapy, according to known local resistance rates. Recent studies have demonstrated an increase in resistance to β-lactams, trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole and quinolones among E. coli causing community-acquired UTIs [1–6]. Resistance occurs because of the increased use of these antimicrobials in a variety of human indications, as well as their use in veterinary medicine [6, 7].