Prevalence of urinary tract infection among students studying Medical Laboratory Science at the University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTI) is one of the most commonly reported infections among students in tertiary institutions. This study is designed to determine the prevalence of UTI among students of the Medical Laboratory Science University of Jos, Plateau State. Materials and Method: In total, 199 mid-stream urine samples were collected from students of Medical Laboratory Science at the University of Jos. The specimens were cultured on CLED agar and Chocolate agar by the standard wire loop method. Bacterial isolates were identified biochemically and antibiotic sensitivity testing was performed using the disc diffusion method. Demographic information was collected by administering a structured questionnaire to the study participants. Data obtained were analyzed by SPSS version 21. Result: UTI was detected in 9 (nine) out of the 199 (one hundred and ninety-nine) urine specimens analyzed, yielding a prevalence of 4.5%. E. coli 5(55.6%) was the predominant bacterial isolate. The highest prevalence of UTI was observed within the age group 15-20 years 2(28.5%) (P=0.017). Also, UTI was more prevalent in females 7 (7.7%) than their male counterparts 2(1.9%). Additionally, UTI was predominant among single students 8 (4.8%), students residing off-campus 8 (5.0%), and students who had no awareness about UTI 1 (5.9%). Besides, UTI was preponderant among 300-level students. Results of the antibiogram indicate that all the bacteria isolated were sensitive to ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin (100%). The least sensitivity (55.6%) was observed in nalidixic acid. Conclusion: This study revealed a low prevalence of UTI among students of Medical Laboratory Science. The low prevalence may be due to the greater awareness of the student about UTIs as indicated in the study.