Urinary Tract Infections and Bacterial Multidrug Resistance in Kidney Transplant Impact on Function and Graft Survival

Pájaro Huertas, Hernán Javier; Pantoja Echeverri, María Viviana; Martínez, Gustavo Aroca; Guido Musso, Carlos; Dominguez Vargaz, Alex; González Torres, Henry J.

Urinary Tract Infections and Bacterial Multidrug Resistance in Kidney Transplant Impact on Function and Graft Survival

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Fecha

2025

Autores

Pájaro Huertas, Hernán Javier

Pantoja Echeverri, María Viviana

Martínez, Gustavo Aroca

Guido Musso, Carlos

Dominguez Vargaz, Alex

González Torres, Henry J.

Editor

MDPI
Ediciones Universidad Simón Bolívar
Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud

Resumen

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the sociodemographic, clinical, paraclinical, and microbiological characteristics of kidney transplant recipients with and without urinary tract infection (UTI) and determine their impact on renal function and graft survival in a referral center in Atlántico, Colombia. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, observational, analytical study including 163 kidney transplant recipients between 2015 and 2020. Clinical and microbiological variables were compared according to UTI status. Renal function was assessed using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Graft survival was analyzed with Kaplan–Meier curves, and predictors of graft loss were identified using Cox regression models. Results: UTI prevalence was 17.8% (29/163), with a higher proportion of women in the UTI (+) group compared to the UTI (−) group (62% vs. 34%, p = 0.004). Escherichia coli (59%) and Klebsiella spp. (31%) were the predominant pathogens, with MDR in 66% of isolates and carbapenem resistance in 28%. Patients with UTIs had significantly lower baseline and follow-up eGFR (p ≤ 0.002), yet five-year graft survival was comparable (93% vs. 91%, p = 0.54). Baseline eGFR (HR: 0.95, p < 0.001) and institutional referral (HR: 9.7, p = 0.010) were independent predictors of graft loss, whereas UTIs were not associated with increased risk. Conclusions: Post-transplant UTIs in Atlántico were characterized by high antimicrobial resistance and reduced renal function, but did not affect graft survival. Antimicrobial stewardship and institutional optimization strategies are essential to improve outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Palabras clave

Trasplante de riñón, Infección del tracto urinario, Resistencia a múltiples fármacos, Función renal, Supervivencia del injerto

Citación

Pájaro Huertas, H.J.; Pantoja Echeverri, M.V.; Aroca Martínez, G.; Musso, C.G.; Dominguez Vargaz, A.; González-Torres, H.J. Urinary Tract Infections and Bacterial Multidrug Resistance in Kidney Transplant Impact on Function and Graft Survival. Clin. Pract. 2025, 15, 215. https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract15110215