Prevalence and association of asymptomatic prostatitis with urinary tract infection among apparently healthy men in Ekpoma, Edo, Nigeria

Abstract

The link between prostatitis and urinary tract infections (UTIs) has been acknowledged but documented incidences of asymptomatic prostatitis remains a course for concern. This study therefore, assesses the prevalence and association of asymptomatic prostatitis with urinary tract infections among apparently healthy men in Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. One hundred adult men (40 – 79 years old) were randomly recruited and subdivided into four age–range subgroups. Urine and blood samples were collected from the subjects and subjected to appropriate laboratory analysis. Results showed that 43 (43%) had significant bacteriuria, and 35 (35%) were positive for prostatitis. Staphylococcus aureus had the highest incidence rate (25; 58%) followed by S. saprophyticus (16; 37%) and E. coli (2; 5%). Our findings showed a high prevalence of asymptomatic prostatitis and a significant level of UTIs amongst men resident in Ekpoma who are 40 years and above. It also gives an insight into the prevalent etiologic bacterial agents associated with the UTIs. Routine screening for UTI and prostatitis for men who are 40 years and above is therefore recommended.

KeyWords: Asymptomatic prostatitis, Bacteriuria, Infections, Urinary tract