Abstract

Boma Awoala West* and Enekole Josephine Aitafo

ABSTRACT

Background: Urinary tract infection is one of the commonest infections worldwide. Bacterial resistance is becoming more common because of the non-judicious use of antibiotics. If urinary tract infection is poorly treated, sepsis, renal scaring, hypertension and eventual chronic renal failure may result. Thus, prompt diagnosis and the judicious treatment with appropriate antibiotic therapy would reduce associated morbidity and mortality as well as prevent antibiotic resistance. Methods: A retrospective study was carried out over a year on all children (0-17years) with clinical suspicion of UTI. Relevant data was retrieved from the hospitals’ Health Management System and analysed. Results: Of 412 children with clinically suspected urinary tract infection, 184 (44.7%) had positive urine culture. Females predominated 130 (70.7%) with Male: Female ratio of 1:2.4. Most were of age 5-9years, 85 (46.2%). Commonest symptoms were abdominal pain/discomfort 92 (50.8%), perineal itch/discharge 28 (15.5%), frequent micturition 25 (13.8%) and painful micturition 25 (13.8%). Commonest organisms isolated were Staphylococcus aureus 145 (78.8%), Escherichia coli 43 (23.4%) and Klebsiella spp 8 (4.3%). The most sensitive antibiotics were streptomycin (78.8%), ciprofloxacin (75.0%), gentamicin (68.5%) and ceftriaxone-tazobactam (68.5%) while the most resistant antibiotics were amoxicillin (46.0%), norfloxacin (43.2%) and ampicillin-cloxacillin (38.6%). Conclusion: Urinary tract infection is common among females and children aged 5-9years. Ciprofloxacin may be given empirically to children with suspected urinary tract infection while awaiting urine culture results. Routine sensitivity and resistance pattern of urinary tract infection pathogens against commonly used antibiotics in hospitals is therefore recommended.