Urinary tract infections in a Tertiary Hospital in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections. In uncomplicated cases the infection is easily treated with a course of antibiotic, but there is increased resistance to many of these antibiotics.
Objective: To determine the profile of UTI among patients using National Hospital Abuja and the antibiotic susceptibility profile of isolated uropathogens.
Methods: This prospective study was carried out at the department of Medical Microbiology of National Hospital, Abuja over a period of three years (January 2010 – December 2012). A total of 6763 urine samples were analyzed for age, gender, distribution, yield and antibiotics sensitivity.
Results: Of 6763 urine samples, 885 (13.1%) yielded uropathogens, with the highest percentage yield in the below one year and above 57 years age groups. The mean age was 33.9 years and modal group was 25 -32 years. The most common isolates were Escherichia coli 323 (37%) and Klebsiella spp 202 (25%). Although more infections occurred in outpatients than inpatients, the rate was more with inpatients (36% vs 11%). 97% of Klebsiella spp, 89% of E coli and 83% of P.aeruginosa were sensitive to imipenem, while their respective sensitivities to amikacin were 65%, 98% and 96% Most isolates showed high levels of resistance to many other antibiotics tested.
Conclusion: High levels of resistance exist among uropathogens in our study area. This calls for regular surveillance and improved antibiotic stewardship.

Keywords : Urinary tract infection, National Hospital Abuja, antibiotic