BACKGROUND:
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is still a problem not infrequently encountered in the course of clinical practice. This study was designed to ascertain its prevalence among both the in and out-patients and the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the isolates.
METHOD:
A retrospective analysis of data from all the urine samples processed at Jos university teaching hospital microbiology laboratory was undertaken for a period of 36 months (January 2000-December 2002). Samples had been collected, stored and processed by standard laboratory procedures. Results obtained were analysed using SPSS 11 statistical software and P values < 0.05 were considered significant.
RESULTS:
Of the 12,458 urine samples studied comprising 43% males and 57% females: the overall prevalence of UTI was found to be 22%; 7.4% among males and a higher figure of 14.6% among females, this was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The rate of nosocomial UTI was significantly higher than the community acquired type: 12.3% and 9.3% respectively (p < 0.05). The commonest nosocomial isolate was Klebsiella spp while Escherichia coli were for community acquired group. Staphylococcus aureus, Coagulase negative Staphylococcus, Proteus spp and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were also common isolates. The most effective antibiotics were Ofloxacin, Ciprofloxacin and Cefuroxime.
CONCLUSION:
In-patients especially should be encouraged to drink adequate water daily and practice "double urination" to reduce incidence of UTL. Ofloxacin, Ciprofloxacin and Cefuroxime should be considered first in the treatment of UTI in the absence of a susceptibility test.