The bacteriology of asymptomatic urinary tract infections among contraceptive users in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Contraceptive usage has been known to predispose to urinary tract infections(UTI). Unfortunately, there are no known studies on the bacteriology of UTI among contraceptive users in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.  This study was therefore undertaken to determine the microbial isolates and their sensitivity pattern among contraceptive users with asymptomatic bacteriuria with a view to forming the basis for empirical therapy.
Methods: A two-part pre-tested questionnaire was used for each recruited subject. The data retrieved from the questionnaires were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 14. Tables were constructed for the presentation of the results.
Results: One hundred and fifty (6.52%) contraceptive users were identified within the study period. Their age ranged from 18-50 years with a mean age of 27.8 ±5.3 years. Majority of the patients 63 (42%) belonged to the 21-30 years age-group. UTI was found in 35.3% of contraceptive users.  The four different uropathogens isolated included E.coli (41.51%), Kleb spp (24.53%), Proteus spp (20.75%) and Staph saprophyticus. The most effective antibiotics were nitrofurantoin, gentamicin, sparfloxacin and cefuroxime. Sensitivity to tetracycline, cotrimoxazole and streptomycin was poor.
Conclusion: The commonest organisms causing ASB among contraceptive users were mainly E.coli, Staph saprophyticus, Proteus spp and Kleb spp. The most effective antibiotics were nitrofurantoin, gentamicin, sparfloxacin and cefuroxime. Sensitivity to tetracycline, cotrimoxazole and streptomycin was poor. Similar to those found in patients generally. There was high sensitivity to Nitrofurantoin, Gentamicin, Sparfloxacin and Cefuroxime.