ABSTRACT

 The aim of this study is to evaluate the urinary tract infection among male students of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. A total of fifty (50) mid-stream urine samples were collected from male students staying in Ibrahim Babangida (IBB) Hostel in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike(MOUAU), in a sterile container and was transported to the laboratory for microbial analysis. The mid-stream urine samples were cultured on MacConkey and Blood Agar by streak method. This was incubated at 37°C for 24 hrs. Those that gave significant growth; l0" CFU/ml were identified by gram stain, motility and biochemical tests. The isolates of bacterial pathogens were transferred to Nutrient agar and stored in the refrigerator at 4°C. Out of 50 samples collected, 5 were observed to contain pathogenic bacteria in significant numbers. The distribution of the age groups ranged between 16-18 years to 28-30 years. The age groups 16-18 years and 22-24 years recorded the highest incidence of 40% followed by the age group 25-27 years which recorded the incidence of 20% while the age group 19-21 years and 28-30 years recorded the lowest incidence of 0%. The results show that the most common uropathogen isolated from the urine of the infected subjects are E. coli which constituted 40% while Kiebsiella spp, Proteus spp and Staphylococcus aureus constituted 20% each. On the susceptibility to selected antibiotics, encouraging results were obtained with Ciprofloxacin, Gentamycin and Streptomycin. Urine is generally considered to be sterile and believed to be germ free. Any source of possible infection occurs through urethra which initiates the incidence of infection. Majority of the students are youths and therefore should be adequately informed and educated on the need of personal and environmental hygiene. The University should ensure that proper toilet facilities are available and students should be educated on ways to prevent urinary tract infections.