ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to evaluate the urinary tract infection among female students of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. A total of hundred (100) mid stream urine samples were collected from female students in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike in a sterile container and was taken immediately to the laboratory for bacteriological analysis. The mid stream urine samples were cultured on MacConkey and blood agar by streak method. This was incubated at 370C for 24hrs. Those that gave significant growth were identified by gram stain, motility and biochemical tests.  Age group 21-25 years had the highest prevalence rate (62.5%), followed by age group 26-30 years (25%), while ages 16-20 years recorded the least with (12.5)%. The results show that the most common uropathogen isolated from urine of infected subject is Escherichia coli and were responsible for the cases of urinary tract infection. This was followed by Proteus (5%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5%), Staphylococcus saprophyticus (4%), Staphylococcus aureus (4%) while Alpha Haemolytic streptococcus (1%) had the least frequency of occurrence. On the susceptibility to the selected antibiotics, an encouraging results were obtained with Ciprofloxacin, Gentamycin and Amoxycillin/clavullanic acid. The present study revealed a high prevalence rate of UTI among   female students of  Michael Okpara  University of Agriculture, Umudike.  However, it may be necessary to improve the level of sanitation in university the community. Since UTI may be symptomatic  or asymptomatic in most cases, it is therefore suggested that routine screening of patients with unexplained cases of fever be done and if UTI the appropriate antimicrobials administered after sensitivity tests have been carried out.