title: Antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli in Mexico: how serious is the problem?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study aimed to determine the resistance patterns of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in Mexico to several antibiotics and research some therapeutic options.
  
  
  METHODS
  Positive cultures for E. coli isolated from bronchial secretions, urine, central catheter, blood, and infected wounds in the Culiacan General Hospital, Sinaloa, Mexico from 30 June 2004 to 1 July 2007 were studied. Resistance against multiple antibiotics was measured and compared by gender and the hospital unit where the bacteria were isolated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In total, 1511 specimens were analyzed from men (45.4%) and women (54.5%), of which 251 were positive for E. coli. Antimicrobial resistance was highest in the neurosurgery service (58.4%). Samples included sputum (14.7%), bronchial secretions (17.9%), wounds (35.4%), urine/Foley catheter tip (35.5%), central catheter tips (5.6%), and blood cultures (7.2%). Resistance to ampicillin was highest at 91% followed by ciprofloxacin at 80.6%, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole at 70.2%, piperacillin/tazobactam at 14.4%, and imipenem at 6.8%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Trimethoprim should not be recommended as an empiric option for E. coli infections and the benefit of quinolones is low. It is important to understand the resistance of the bacteria in each medical center, consider its frequency in each service within the same hospital, and take all necessary measures to ensure and create a clinical attitude of prevention.
authors.affiliation: Culiacan General Hospital, Sinaloa, Mexico.
authors.forename: Joel
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Murillo Llanes
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Varon
authors.forename: Jesús Salvador
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Velarde Félix
authors.forename: Fernando Pavel
authors.initials: FP
authors.lastname: González-Ibarra
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D004927:Escherichia coli Infections / Q000382:microbiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents