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 fifty (50) urine samples were collected from female students in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike 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 24hrs. those that gave significant growth 10⁵cfu/ml were identified by gram stain, motility and biochemical tests. The pure isolates of bacterial pathogens was transferred to Nutrient agar slants and stored in the refrigerator at 4°C. The distribution of urinary tract infections among the age group ranged between 22-24years recorded the highest incidence of (42.1%) while 28-30years recorded the least (5.26%). Microscopic examination of the samples showed the presence of pus cells, epithelia cells, calcium oxalate crystals and yeast cells. The results show that the most common uropathogen isolated from urine of infected subject is E.coli which constituted 60% followed by Kiebsiella spp (15%), Proteus spp (15%) while Non Haemolytic streptococcus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa had the least occurrence of (5%) each. On the susceptibility to the selected antibiotics, a significant results was obtained with Ciprofloxacin, Gentamicin and Amoxycillin-clavulanate. The success of Ciprofloxacin could be due to its broad spectrum activities. Other drugs have varying and fair activities on the different isolates. Urine is generally considered to be sterile. Any source of possible infection occurs through urethra which initiates the incidence of infection. The present study revealed a high prevalence rate of UTI among female students of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. Majority of the students are youths, and therefore should he adequately informed and educated on the need of personal and environmental hygiene. The government should ensure that proper toilet facilities are available. I recommend that Urine culture must be done at the first antenatal visit, and repeated cultures should be obtained at different trimesters, because the urine of treated patients may not remain sterile for the entire pregnancy