Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections worldwideand often caused by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, and Enterobacter species. They present a significant health burden, ranging from mild cystitis to severe pyelonephritis, and are complicated by the emergence of antimicrobial resistance due to the widespread and inappropriate use of antibiotics. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Sarhad Institute of Allied Health Sciences, Peshawar, from April to July 2025. A total of 52 undergraduate students, selected through convenience sampling were enrolled. Midstream urine samples were collected and cultured on CLED and MacConkey agar for the isolation and identification of uropathogens using standard biochemical tests and Gram staining. Confirmed isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing on MHA using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, and results were interpreted according to CLSI guidelines.Out of 52 enrolled students the male and female ratio were equal with the majority aged 18–22 years. Bacterial growth was detected in 4 (7.7%) urine samples, including Enterobacter (25%), Escherichia coli (25%), and Staphylococcus aureus (50%). Antibiogram revealed complete sensitivity of all isolates to Fosfomycin, Meropenem, Imipenem, Amikacin, Gentamycin, Cefoparazone-Sulbactam, and Ceftazidime, while partial resistance was observed against Ciprofloxacin and Flucloxacillin (25%), and high resistance against Amoxicillin (75%). Our finding suggests that the majority routinely used antibiotics are effective against uropathogens while the rising resistance against frequently prescribed drugs like Amoxicillin, Ciprofloxacin, and Flucloxacillin is a cause for concern.