Uropathogens and their antibiograms in asymptomatic bacteriuria among university students in Zaria, Nigeria

Abstract

Invasion of urinary tract by pathogens can lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs). Asymptomatic UTI is characterized by bacteriuria that is not accompanied by typical urinary tract symptoms, which often goes unnoticed until it has become serious. Early detection, accurate diagnosis and appropriate selection of antibiotics can improve prognosis, prevent chonic progression of renal disease and increase treatment success. Students in tertiary institutions may become at risk of UTIs due to overcrowding, poor hygiene practices and sexual activities. This study was focused on assessing the prevalence and antibiograms of uropathogens causing asymptomatic bacteriuria among university students. Mid-stream urine samples of early morning were obtained from 201 students of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. Structured questionnaires were administered to the students to collect their socio-demographic information and exposure to certain risk factors. The samples were inoculated onto sterile Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate agar and Centrimide agar plates, incubated at 37°C for 24 h. The pure isolates were identified by cultural morphology, Gram staining and biochemical characterization, and were further challenged with selected antibiotics. Bacterial uropathogens identified were Citrobacter spp and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with prevalence of 10(5.0%) and 5(2.5%) respectively. The females were more infected than the males. The oldest students of 25-27 years and 28-30 years old had the highest occurrences of Citrobacter spp and Pseudomonas aeruginosa respectively. All the cases of Citrobacter spp were found among single students, but higher occurrence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found among the married subjects. Students who have spent the longest time (i.e. in their 6th year) in school had the highest infection with the uropathogens. Students that stayed off-campus, share public latrines, drink sachet water and claimed to have one sex partner each were found with higher occurrences of asymptomatic infections. The antibiotic susceptibility test showed that all the isolates were most susceptible to Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin, and Pefloxacin, and resistant to Septrin. However, isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were resistant to Streptomycin. Students should be well-informed about the risks associated with poor hygiene, over-crowding and unhealthy sexual habits. Routine checkups will help to prevent asymptomatic UTIs from developing into severe infections or complications.