Urinary tract infection with proteus species in a teaching hospital

This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of urinary tract infection due to proteus species, the predisposing factors, age and sex distribution, complications and the extent of drug resistance. A total of 580 patients were studied. Proteus species comprised 33 (9%) of the total number of bacterial isolates causing urinary tract infection during a one year study period between June 1991-May 1992. Proteus urinary tract infection was found to be the most common from the age of 55 years upwards in males, while in females, they were more evenly distributed. All the proteus isolates were completely resistant to ampicillin, tetracycline and cotrimoxazole. Ofloxacin was the most potent antibiotic (94.4%) sensitive, followed by gentamicin (83.3%) sensitive. Majority of the cases occurred in surgical department with more cases being nosocomially acquired than community. All male patients had at least one predisposing factor with catheterization being the commonest. To help reduce morbidity and mortality associated with urinary tract infection due to proteus species, strict aseptic catheter techniques and more efficient infection control measures must be reinforced.