Urinary tract infection among apparently healthy commercial transport workers in Ekpoma and its environs within Edo State, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study was designed to establish the prevalence of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) among healthy-male commercial transport workers (taxi drivers and motor-cycle riders) in Ekpoma and its environs within Edo State, Nigeria. Eighty (80) urine samples were collected and using standard laboratory procedures, the prevalence of asymptomatic UTI was determined. The results showed that out of the 80 samples investigated, only 9 (11.3%) of them had asymptomatic UTI with a higher occurrence in samples obtained from taxi drivers and those within the age range of 35 - 45 years. None of the 29 motorcycle riders within the age range of 25 – 34 had UTI while 2 out of the 18 taxi drivers with age 25 – 34 had UTI. For those within the age range of 35 – 45, only 3 out of the 21 motorcycle riders and 4 out of the 12 taxi drivers had UTI respectively. In addition, Klebsiella auregenes and Pseudomonas auruginosa were the predominant isolates; with age playing a prominent factor. Therefore, as road safety campaigns are encouraged for transport workers, concerted efforts must also be made to enlighten them on the need to avoid risky sexual behaviours including drug and alcohol abuse. 

Keywords: Urinary Tract Infections, Asymptomatic UTI, Personal hygiene, Transport workers.