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Pathogens and antibiotic susceptibility profiles in the urinary tract
E O Onifade1, R A Nwobu, E O Bamidele
1Department of Medicine, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
East African Medical Journal
|October 1, 1992
Summary
A study of 2,780 urine samples found 28.1% of patients had significant bacterial growth, indicating common urinary tract infections (UTIs). E. coli was the most frequent cause, highlighting the need for effective UTI diagnostics and treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Urology
Background:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common, particularly in outpatient settings.
- Accurate etiological diagnosis is crucial for effective management of UTIs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and common causative agents of UTIs in patients attending the Medical Out-patient Unit of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 2,780 midstream urine (MSU) specimens collected from March 1989 to February 1990.
- Bacterial colony counts were assessed to identify significant bacteriuria (>100,000 per ml).
Main Results:
- A prevalence of 28.1% (780 specimens) with significant bacterial counts was observed.
- Escherichia coli was the most frequently isolated pathogen, followed by Klebsiella aerogenes, Proteus mirabilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- Gram-positive bacteria accounted for 9.8% of infections, and Candida species for 6.0%.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights a significant burden of UTIs in the studied population.
- E. coli is a predominant uropathogen, necessitating targeted antimicrobial strategies.
- The presence of Gram-positive bacteria and fungi as causative agents underscores the importance of broad-spectrum diagnostic approaches.