Utility of UTI CHROMagar media for the rapid identification of the uropathogens.

Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTI) continue to be a common problem.UTI CHROMagar, a new chromogenic medium, was evaluated for the detection and differentiation of uropathogens. Objectives: To compare the UTICHROMagar medium with standard culture media in terms of rapid isolation of uropathogens. Material and Methods: A total of 185 urine samples were tested and inoculated on both standard culture media and UTICHROMagar, growth was observed after 24 and 48 hours of incubation. Isolates were identified by colony's colour,morphology and biochemical tests. Results: Of the 185 urine samples tested, 80(43.24%) were found to be culture positive and 105(56.75%) were culture negative. The uni microbial aetiology was found in 60(75%) samples and poly microbial aetiology was found in 20(25%).Colony color and morphology on UTI CHROMagar accurately differentiated Escherichia coli, Proteus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp. The antimicrobial sensitivity testing(AST) of the isolates picked up from the UTI CHROMagar and from the routine media,the results were compatible. Conclusion: UTI CHROMagar may emerged as a vital aid for primary identification and early presumptive diagnosis of the uropathogens, thereby assisting clinician in initiating the empirical therapy best effective for the uropathogen.