Background/Objectives: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) represent a significant public health challenge, with Escherichia coli being the primary causative pathogen. The rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), further intensified by shifts in antibiotic prescribing practices during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, poses substantial difficulties in treatment optimization and clinical management. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 644 E. coli strains from urine samples collected in a southeastern Romanian hospital during two periods: pre-pandemic (2018–2019, N = 361) and post-pandemic (2023–2024, N = 283). Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed using the VITEK automated system for key antibiotic classes. Results: A significant increase in fluoroquinolone resistance was observed, especially for ciprofloxacin (p = 0.02), alongside rising ceftriaxone resistance (p = 0.004), suggesting the spread of ESBL-producing strains. Resistance to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, ampicillin, and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid remained high, limiting their empirical use. Carbapenem resistance was low (p > 0.1), while nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin retained high efficacy (p = 0.26 and p = 0.64). Conclusions: The post-pandemic period showed a concerning rise in resistance to fluoroquinolones and third-generation cephalosporins, highlighting the need for stricter antimicrobial stewardship. Carbapenems remain effective for severe infections, while nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin are reliable first-line options for uncomplicated UTIs. Continuous AMR surveillance is essential to optimize treatment and curb multidrug-resistant strains.

Liver damage can be a direct consequence of human immunodeficiency virus infection or indirect mechanisms triggered by human immunodeficiency virus. Hepatic fibrosis may be present in patients newly diagnosed with HIV infection or in those with viro-immunologic failure after initiation of antiretroviral therapy. In the present study we evaluated biologically and viro-immunologically the 351 patients newly diagnosed with HIV infection in the Regional Center Constanta between 01.01.2015 and 31.06.2024, subsequently re- evaluated one year after diagnosis and institution of specific medication. Liver fibrosis stage was assessed using APRI, FIB4 and FORNS scores. The cohort comprised 351 patients, 313 with HIV monoinfection. The mean age at diagnosis was 36.09 years, predominantly male (237 patients). The median CD4+ cell count was 269.5 cells/mm3, and the median HIV-RNA was 164 x103 copies/mL. Most cases were CDC staged A2 (91 cases) and C3 (77 cases). Patients with HIV monoinfection showed a significant association between CD4+ cell level and ALT (p=0.026) and AST (p<0.001), respectively. We observed statistically significant correlation between AST and viral load values (p=0.003 in monoinfection and 0.042 in coinfection). APRI, FIB4 and FORNS scores averaged higher in the coinfected group compared to the HIV monoinfected group. Statistically significant associations were found between APRI, FIB4, FORNS scores and CD4+ cell counts and HIV viral load values, respectively.