Urinary tract pathogens and antimicrobial sensitivity patterns in childhood urinary tract infection, Kano Nigeria

Abstract

Background : Adequate treatment and control of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) depends on a good knowledge of the agents causing the infection. The study was designed to assess the aetiology of childhood UTI and the susceptibility of these pathogens to the commonly available antimicrobial agents. Methodology : Children aged 0-10years with symptomatic urinary tract infection seen in both in-patient and out-patients in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano between 1st November 2002 and 31st October 2004. Results : Bacterial organisms were isolated from the urine of 145 children. The predominant isolate in both in-patient and out-patients were Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp, Proteus spp, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus accounted for 41.9%, 25.8%, 16.8%, 12.3% and 3.2% respectively. All the isolates were poorly sensitive to the common first line drugs used in childhood UTI in our environment namely cotrimazole and ampicillin but there was good sensitive to nitrofurantoin and ofloxacin. Conclusion : It is recommended that nitrofurantoin be used in the treatment of childhood UTI in Kano while results of culture and sensitivity are awaited. There should also be a continuous monitoring of pattern of organisms isolated in childhood UTI and their antibiotic resistance pattern. Keywords : childhood, UTI, pathogens Annals of Nigerian Medicine Vol. 1(2) 2005: 14-16