RESUMEN
This study was conducted at the Al Kindy Teaching Hospital to determine the resistance patterns tocephalosporins of members of the family Enterobacteriaceae isolated from urinary tract infections [UTIS]. A total of 270 urine specimens were collected from February, 2008 to May, 2008. Determination the Resistance patterns to cephalosporins in Enterobacteriaceae isolated from urinary tract infection. Urine specimens were processed for culture, and susceptibility testing using Kirby-Bauer method. The minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] was determined by twofold dilution. Escherichia coli was found to be the most organism, followed by Klebsiella spp. The results of susceptibility of isolates under study to different cephalosporins were moderately or highly resistant to many of the test agents. The observations on the minimum inhibitory concentrations [MICs] and minimum bactericaidal concentrations [MBCs] for the cephalosporins explained the high level of resistance to cephalothin and cefaclor, and a moderate level of resistance to cefotaxime, ceftazidime and cefixime. The increasing MIC of cephalosporins, especially third generation, indicates decreasing susceptibility of these organisms to these types of beta-lactam agents due to the production of extended spectrum beta-lactamases [ESBLs]