Asymptomatic dengue infection in adults of major cities of Pakistan

OBJECTIVE@#To determine the asymptomatic dengue infection in adults of Pakistani population.@*METHODS@#This study was conducted in five major cities (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Peshawar) of Pakistan. A total of 5 230 adults aged 18 years and above without a history of dengue fever at any point in their life were enrolled from participating laboratories. Those who were confirmed for dengue previously were excluded. Of the total, 62.6% (n = 3 276) were male with an average age of 34.6 years. Participants were briefed about the objectives of the study, and written consent was obtained to perform dengue IgG test using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The brief information related to age, gender and area was also taken on proforma.@*RESULTS@#Overall 32.3% (n = 1 691) was having asymptomatic dengue infection which was 67.5% (n = 756) in Karachi followed by 39.1% (n = 391) in Islamabad, 29.9% (n = 316) in Lahore and 21% (n = 228) in Peshawar and none from Multan. More males were affected with asymptomatic dengue infection than females. The asymptomatic dengue infection was significantly higher in different cities; however, there was no significant difference with respect to age groups.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The asymptomatic dengue infection is higher in cities i.e. Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore which are at risk of developing secondary dengue infections. There is a need of awareness among the public about secondary dengue infection.

Asymptomatic dengue infection in adults of major cities of Pakistan

Objective To determine the asymptomatic dengue infection in adults of Pakistani population. Methods This study was conducted in five major cities (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Peshawar) of Pakistan. A total of 5 230 adults aged 18 years and above without a history of dengue fever at any point in their life were enrolled from participating laboratories. Those who were confirmed for dengue previously were excluded. Of the total, 62.6% (n = 3 276) were male with an average age of 34.6 years. Participants were briefed about the objectives of the study, and written consent was obtained to perform dengue IgG test using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The brief information related to age, gender and area was also taken on proforma. Results Overall 32.3% (n = 1 691) was having asymptomatic dengue infection which was 67.5% (n = 756) in Karachi followed by 39.1% (n = 391) in Islamabad, 29.9% (n = 316) in Lahore and 21% (n = 228) in Peshawar and none from Multan. More males were affected with asymptomatic dengue infection than females. The asymptomatic dengue infection was significantly higher in different cities; however, there was no significant difference with respect to age groups. Conclusions The asymptomatic dengue infection is higher in cities i.e. Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore which are at risk of developing secondary dengue infections. There is a need of awareness among the public about secondary dengue infection.

Screening of adult dental patients visiting Khyber College of Dentistry, Peshawar for HBV and HCV infections and identifying the associated risk factors

Objective: To screen out adult patients for HBV and HCV infections visiting Khyber College of Dentistry Peshawar [KCD] for different dental treatments and to identify the associated risk factors

Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Khyber College of Dentistry, Peshawar in the year 2013. A total of 1540 patients >15 years, visiting KCD for seeking different dental treatments were screened for hepatitis B and C. Informed consent was taken before blood collection and filling of a structured questionnaire. Blood samples were tested against HBsAg and anti HCV by using ICT that were further confirmed by ELISA. The data was analyzed using Epi info version 6

Results: A total of 1540 patients were screened during the study. Among these 36.4% [561] were males and 63.6% [979] were females. Overall prevalence of HBV and HCV was 5.12% [79]. On screening, 2.14% [33] were found to be HBs Ag positive of which 2.5% [14] were males and 1.9% [19] were females. HCV was found positive in 2.98% [46] individuals having male to female ratio of 1.6% and 3.8%. Frequency of HBsAg was high in age group 56-65 year and HCV in 36-45 year group. Previous history of IV/IM injections, spouse patient of hepatitis, blood transfusion, surgical operation were found significant risk factors in the transmission of both hepatitis B and C, while previous history of dental treatment and sharing of clippers were significant risk factor in spreading hepatitis C infection only

Conclusions: Overall prevalence of HCV was higher than HBV. Previous history of injections, spouse patient of hepatitis, blood transfusion, surgical operation were found significant risk factors in the transmission of both hepatitis B and C

Economic burden of thalassemia on parents of thalassemic children: a multi-centre study

Objectives To determine the economic burden of thalassemia on parents of thalassemic children

Study design, settings and duration: Descriptive nonprobability, purposive sampling done in PHRC Research Centres of Multan, Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta from July 2013 to June 2014

Patients and Methods: After taking informed written consent, parents/guardians of thalassemia major children were interviewed. All information was recorded on the pre-tested questionnaire. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 11

Results: A total of 600 guardians/ parents of the thalassemic children were included in the study. There were 57% boys and 43% girls with a mean age of 9.40 +/- 5.66 years. Among them, 47.8% were from rural and 52.2 % from urban areas. Almost 71% children were transfusion dependent. The family history of cousin/interfamilial marriage was present in 78.2% while parental consanguinity was present in 72.8%. Only 1.7% parents got premarital screening for thalassemia. In private sector 56.8% had to pay nothing while others had to pay from Rs. 500 to Rs. 2000 per visit. Expenditure per month in private thalassemia centres showed that 57% had to bear no cost at all, 12.2% had to spend up to Rs. 1000, while 24.8% Rs. 1001 to 5000 and 6% had to pay more than Rs. 5000. In the government sector cost per visit in 35.5% was up to Rs. 500 while others had to pay between Rs. 501 to more than Rs. 2000. Monthly cost at government sector almost doubled. Total expenditure [private and government sector] per month was Rs. 9626 for each patient

Conclusion: Total cost [both direct and indirect] for the management of thalassemia was quite high and this cost puts significant economic burden on the affected thalassemic families. This disease puts social, financial and psychological impacts on suffering families, so prevention-based strategies like premarital screening, prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling should be adopted in Pakistan. A national screening project for thalassemia is the need of the day

Comparison of maternal serum lipoproteins in normal pregnancy and primiparous patients with eclampsia

Objective: To evaluate changes in serum lipoproteins in primiparous women with eclampsia and compare it with pregnant women having normal blood pressure

Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted on 65 primiparous eclamptic patients and 21 normotensive pregnant women in the tertiary care hospitals of Peshawar. History of each woman was recorded on a questionnaire. Blood pressure was measured using standard methods. About 5 ml of venous blood was drawn for the analysis of lipoproteins

The data was analyzed using computer software package SPSS version 10. The P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant

Results: Mean age of hypertensive cases was 23.2 +/- 0.52 years while that for controls was 23.9 +/- 1.16 years. Significant differences were found in serum lipoproteins. Women having eclampsia had 28.8%, 29.5%, 31.1%, 32.9% and 65.3% higher, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol [LDLC], triglycerides [TG], total cholesterol [TC]:high density lipoprotein-cholesterol [HDLC] ratio, LDLCiHDLC ratio and TG:HDLC ratio respectively as compared to the control group. The HDLC concentrations, HDLC:VLDLC ratio and apolipoprotein-A1 level were 26.9%, 56.6% and 27.9% respectively, lower in the patient group as compared to the controls

Conclusion: This study suggests that evaluation of lipoprotein concentrations during antenatal period can be helpful in the early detection and prevention of developing eclampsia

Prevalence of amoebiasis in a model research community and its confirmation using stool antigen elisa for Entamoeba histolytica

Entamoeba histolytica [E. histolytica] produces an invasive disease called amoebiasis, which commonly produces diarrhea with or without blood in both children and adults, leading to high morbidity and mortality. Entamoeba dispar [E. Dispar] is a noninvasive, nonpathogenic organism. Both Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba Dispar look alike on microscopy and therefore cannot be differentiated unless checked on ELISA, PCR or other specific method. To calculate the actual prevalence of pathogenic amoebiasis in children by comparing the stool microscopy with ELISA stool antigen i.e. gold standard. Across sectional, comparative study. Children under five years in a community village Budhni, District Peshawar. A sample of 288 children aged <5 years were randomly selected. Information's were collected on the age and gender of the children. Fresh stool specimens were examined microscopically and with stool antigen kit of ELISA for detection of Entamoeba histolytica. The specificity and sensitivity of microscopic method was calculated against ELISA. Data was analyzed using statistical computer software package SPSS version 10.0. A total of 288 stool specimens were collected and examined for Entamoeba histolytica. Out of these 36[12.5%] stools were positive for E. histolyticaon microscopy while 14[4.9%] were positive on ELISA. Out of 14 ELISA positive samples, 10 samples were also positive on microscopy while 4 were ELISA positive but microscopy negative. About 22 samples, which were positive on microscopy were negative on ELISA indicating that these samples might have been of E. Dispar which is nonpathogenic protozoa. The sensitivity and specificity of microscopic method was 71.4% and 90.5% respectively, as against stool antigen test. Actual prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica is low in the area. Stool ELISA was able to differentiate between pathogenic Entamoeba histolytica and the non-pathogenic Entamoeba dispar and thus can minimize unnecessary antiamoebic treatment in these children

Impact assessment of educational intervention among private dental practitioners about infection control practices in district Peshawar

Cross infections occur frequently in dental health care personnel therefore, to protect themselves and their patients; they have to strictly follow infection control practices. To assess the impact of educational interventions on knowledge and practices of private dental practitioners. Interventional study, done from March 2012 to June 2013 in private practitioners of Peshawar using convenient sampling technique. After acquiring base line data on the practices, pertaining to prevention of cross infection in dental practitioners, educational knowledge intervention was applied to them on same day and repeated after two months. Post intervention data was collected using same questionnaire. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences [SPSS] version 16.0. A total of 90 dental practitioners were included, of whom 49 [54.4%] were qualified and 41 [45.6%] unqualified. Their overall mean age was 33.77 +/- 8.97 years. The mean age of qualified practitioners was 36.24 +/- 10.40 years. Their pre and post intervention practices showed significant improvement in various practices like; screening of patients prior to procedure [p <0.043], hepatitis B vaccination [p < 0.000], type of gloves used [p < 0.031], hand washing [P < 0.004] separate instrument processing area [p < 0.004], floor cleansing with disinfectant [p < 0.000] and proper ventilation [p <0.021]. The mean age of unqualified practitioners was 30.80 +/- 5.73 years. Their pre and post intervention change in knowledge and practices showed poor compliance to most interventions. Qualified dental practitioners had a positive attitude towards educational infection as compared to unqualified practitioners. Yearly health education certification should be implemented for all health care professional [qualified and unqualified] to keep them abreast with the infection control practices

Frequency of ABO blood groups and RhD factor in the female population of district Peshawar

To determine the frequency of ABO blood group and Rhesus [Rh] D antigen in the females of "District" Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 429 women having pregnancy induced hypertension, admitted in the three teaching hospitals of Peshawar, over a period of one year. Blood sample was collected from each subject after taking informed consent. The antigen antibody agglutination slide test for "blood grouping [ABO]" and RhD factors was done by using IgM and IgG monoclonal reagents. The antisera used were from Biolaboratory, USA. Data was analyzed for percentage calculation. The blood group distribution was 134 [31.2%], 43 [10.1%], 116 [27%], 136 [31.7%] for blood groups A, AB, O and B, respectively. Subjects having blood group B was slightly more dominant, followed by A and O, while blood group AB was rare in these females. Blood group A Rh negative is more in female 12 [37.5%] followed by group O 10 [31.3%], group B 09 [28.1%] and group AB 01 [3.1%].Frequency of "Rh-positive blood group" is B, A, O and AB, whereas the frequency of the most common Rh-negative blood group are A, O, B and AB respectively. The determination of the frequency of blood groups in the region would not only help in blood transfusion services, but also reduce the risk of erythroblastosis foetalis in the neonates

Depression among patients with type-II diabetes mellitus

This study aimed to determine the frequency of depression among patients with type-II diabetes mellitus in Peshawar at Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, from March to September 2010. Depression was assessed by using Beck Depressive Inventory-II [BDI-II]. Out of 140 patients with type-II diabetes, 85 [61%] were women and 55 [39%] were men. Mean age was 45 +/- 7.45 years. Eighty four [60%] patients presented with severe depression. Depression was higher in females than males and widows. Depression was high in diabetic patients, especially in females and widows. It is of essence that psychiatric attention may be necessary to be incorporated in diabetes care both for prevention and treatment

Prevalence of zinc deficiency among rural women during childbearing age in Peshawar, Pakistan

Zinc deficiency is a commonly reported health problem throughout the world. This cross sectional survey was conducted in rural Peshawar with an aim to estimate the prevalence of zinc deficiency in women of child bearing age and find its association with age, marital, pregnancy status and parity. Data was collected from 353 women age 15-45 years. EPI INFO version 6.04 was used for data analysis. Overall 98 [27.8%] women were zinc deficient [

Prevalence of shisha smoking in college, university and madarsa students aged 20-25 years in Pakistan

To estimate the prevalence of shisha smoking, its trends and associated factors in college, university and madarsa students aged 20-25 years in Pakistan. This survey was done on 7582 subjects belonging to 71 institutions from five cities and Federal Capital Islamabad, using a population based sample. Data was collected using cluster sampling from public/private colleges, universities and madarsas. After taking informed consent, about 10% students from each speciality including both genders were collected using a structured self administered questionnaire designed in Urdu and English. Variables included age, gender, socio-economic status, habits, trends, knowledge and perceptions about shisha smoking. The study was approved by Institutional Review Board. Data was analyzed on SPSS version 15 and chi square was used for statistical significance. Out of 71 educational institutions, 43 were public and 28 private including 8 madarsas. There were 2971 students from professional and 4174 from non-professional institutions. Overall prevalence of shisha smoking was 19.7% [n=1410] being more common in males [29.8%] than females [10.4%] Students started smoking shisha at 17-18 years age [57.2%] and almost 75% started this habit in year 2009-2010. The highest prevalence of shisha smoking was seen in Federal Capital Islamabad [28.1%], and lowest in Peshawar [11.2%]. The shisha smoking was more in professional and private educational institutions [p<0.000] with almost 29% students using it in engineering colleges and none using it in madarsas [alma/alia courses]. The trend was highest in students belonging to high socio-economic status [30.7%] and those already smoking cigarettes [74.1%] Pleasure seeking was the commonest reason for smoking shisha [7.1%] and almost 11% students were influenced by their friends. Shisha cafe's were site used by most smokers and majority preferred double apple or mint flavor. Almost a quarter [23.8%] students smoked shisha just for enjoyment and 12.1% thought that it is less harmful than cigarette smoking. Almost 20% students in colleges and universities are smoking shisha. Majority thinking shisha to be harmless or less harmful than cigarette smoking indicating that knowledge about adverse effects of shisha smoking is tremendously low in this educated youth of our country. Shisha should be subjected to the same regulation as cigarettes and other tobacco products and public should be educated about its harmful effects

Screening for tuberculosis among household contacts of index patients

Household contacts of sputum positive pulmonary TB cases are at a high risk of getting infected with tuberculosis therefore symptomatic or vulnerable individuals should be screened and treated early. To determine the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis in the households contacts of index patients having pulmonary tuberculosis infection using standard diagnostic tests and refer the positive cases to DOTS program for treatment. This national descriptive study was conducted in seven Centers of PMRC throughout Pakistan form November 2010 to March 2012. A total of 580 index adult patients suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis, being treated at DOTs Centers of major tertiary care hospitals of Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Peshawar and Quetta living within 5-8 kilometers of the hospital, who consented to participate in the study were selected from the DOTs centres. Generally one but occasionally two close contacts of these index patients [spouses, parents or siblings] were called to the hospital for screening of TB using chest Xray, smear microscopy and tuberculin skin test. Out of 800 contacts screened, 125 [15.6%] were positive on sputum smear examination while 113 had infiltration on X-rays along with positive tuberculin skin test [Indurations of >10 mm] making a definitive diagnosis of TB. Calcified lesions were seen on X-rays in another 91 cases giving evidence of past infection, however 26 of these were AFB positive indicating either the relapse of disease or active lesion. Low grade fever and weight loss were the most significant findings in contacts that were positive on sputum smear and radiology. Almost 15.6% household contacts of pulmonary tuberculosis patients have pulmonary tuberculosis. Health care providers in general and DOTs staff in particular should be trained to inform all index cases that their close contacts especially those suffering from weight loss and fever should be screened for tuberculosis and treated if required

Self medication practice among dental patients of afid: a cross sectional study

To determine the prevalence and cause of self-medication among dental patients, a cross sectional study was conducted on 335 patients of AFID Rawalpindi. Patients were interviewed on basis of questionnaire highlighting age, gender, income and educational qualification, history of past practice of self-medication, substances used and causes of it. Frequency tables were generated and statistical relationship between the variables was analyzed by SPSS version 16. 31.34% of the respondents claimed to be involved in self medication. 48% respondents used self-prescribed antibiotic and analgesics, 22% used clove oil, tobacco or tablet aspirin in tooth cavity, 17% had got their treatment by roadside unqualified dentists and 13% consulted faith healer to relieve tooth pain. 33% felt that their complaints were minor enough to consult dentist, 53% were short of time to visit hospital [ and were prompted by family members to self medicate, 10% were afraid of dental treatments while only 4% claimed that these were cheaper options for them. Self-medication practices were common in participants of this study. Government should enforce relevant legislation which limits the practice of road side local tooth healers and restricts the sales of drugs without prescription

Pediatric nephrolithiasis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan

To determine the frequency of various stone types in children less than 15 years of age. In this cross sectional study, data and stone samples were collected from 145 patients admitted in tertiary care hospitals of Peshawar. Chemical composition of stones was identified using DiaSys urinary calculi analysis kit. Data was analyzed through SPSS version 16.0. Mean age of the children was 7.37 +/- 4.1 years. Stone formation was more common in males [M/F1.5:1]. Family history was present in 44.14% patients. Majority [32.4%] of renal stones were heterogeneous in composition. Pure calcium oxalate was present in 26.2% stones. Calcium oxalate was the principal constituent in 98% stone samples, followed by calcium phosphate [58.6%], ammonium urate [45.5%] and uric acid [4.13%].Majority of renal stones were heterogeneous in composition with calcium oxalate as a principal constituent. Family history may be a strong indicator of stone formation.

Family planning methods and gender distribution of children in a defined rural community of Peshawar

To determine frequency of different family planning methods in rural community of Peshawar and to determine gender composition of children in women practicing family planning. Data was collected from family planning program started with health education and motivation in the model community of Pakistan Medical Research Council at the village Budhni, Peshawar. The family planning method along with age of women, numbers of male and female children were recorded. Injection was a method of choice used by majority [59%] of the women. Most of the women 157 [28.3%] started family planning practice were in the age group of 26-30 years. Number of women having up to 04 children was greater [54.4%] than women [45.6%] having more than 04 children. Most [54%] of them had two male children at the time of starting of family planning. Out of 40 women with one child, 70% had one male child and 30% had a female child. Women having more male children were more likely to adopt family planning practices

Prevalence of diabetes mellitus in rural adults of district Peshawar

In Pakistan, approximately 8 million people have diabetes mellitus, making it the fourth leading country in the list of world diabetic patients. To measure the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and its associated risk factors in a rural community of Peshawar. A cross-sectional study conducted in PMRC model research community village of Budhni. All adults over the age of 40 years residing in the specific village were selected for the study. During door to door visit, consent was taken from all the subjects and they were informed that a fasting blood sugar level would be checked a day or two later. All those who consented were interviewed according to pre-designed proforma and their height, weight and blood pressure were recorded using standard methods. Fasting blood samples were drawn the next day and sent to PMRC research laboratory where they were checked using Microlab 200 Merck. Data was analyzed using Epi Info version 6.0. According to American Diabetic Association criteria, fasting blood sugar level of >126 mg/dl was diagnosed. Estimated population of adults > 40 years in the village is 1249 individuals. Nine hundred nine [72.7%] consented to participate in the study. A total of 345 subjects were screened for diabetes using fasting blood sugar as the proxy indicator. Eighty one [23.4%] had blood sugar over 126 mg/dl and were therefore, diagnosed to be diabetic. Of these 81 cases 46[56.8%] were known diabetics while, 35[43.2%] were newly diagnosed. Majority [39] were between 51-60 years, followed by 29 between 40-50 years and remaining 13 subjects were above 60 years of age. Among the 46 known diabetics, 42[91.3%] were non insulin dependent and only 4[8.7%] were insulin dependent. The duration of diabetes was between 1-5 years in 26[57%] cases who were known diabetic's. Those individuals who were not sure about their exact duration of diabetes were 9[19%]. Cases with a family history of diabetes, were at twice more risk to develop diabetes as compared to those who had no family history [OR=1.86 [1.05

Prevalence of anemia among university of Peshawar students

To evaluate prevalence of anemia in male and female students of the university of Peshawar. This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 262 males and 259 females' students. The students were recruited from different Departments of Peshawar University through a convenience sampling procedure after taking informed consent. Students were interviewed and screened for the presence of anemia. Information was collected about socio-demographic background like age and sex on predesigned questionnaire. Blood specimens were collected in EDTA vacutainers and analyzed by using Hematolgy Analyser Huma Reader Plus. The data was analyzed by using computer software package SPSS version 10.0. The mean age of the students was 21.9 +/- 2.3 years. Out of 521 participating students anemia was prevalent in 4/262 boys [1.5%] and 62/259 girls [23.9%] students. Mean hemoglobin [P < 0.001], hematocrit [P < 0.001] and MCH [P < 0.01] were significantly different in men and women. No significant difference was observed in other hematological parameters among the two groups of students. The prevalence of anemia among girls is high as compared to boy's student. This warrants further study on a larger sample of healthy college students to validate these findings and to safeguard the health of these future mothers

Changes in lipoprotein concentration in primiparous women with pregnancy induced hypertension

Pregnancy induced hypertension is a multi' system disorder of pregnancy and is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. To evaluate changes in serum lipoproteins in primiparous women with pregnancy induced hypertension and compare it with pregnant women having normal blood pressure. This cross sectional study was conducted in 120 pregnancy induced hypertension cases and 21 normotensive pregnant women at gestational age of>20 weeks. History of each woman was recorded on a questionnaire. Height, weight and blood pressure was measured using standard methods, About 5 ml of venous blood was drawn for the analysis of lipoproteins. The data was analyzed using computer software package SPSS version 10. The P Value <0.05 was statistically significant. Mean age of hypertensive cases was 23.7 +/- 0.42 years while that for controls was 23.9 +/- 1.16 years. Significant differences were found in serum high density lipoprotein-cholesterol [P <0. 001], very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol [P <0. 05], triglycerides [P <0. 01], total cholesterol/high density lipoprotein-cholesterol [P <0. 001], serum triglycerides/high density lipoprotein-cholesterol [P <0.0001], high density lipoprotein-cholesterol/very low density Iipoprotein-cholesterol ratio [P <0. 0001] and apolipoprotein Al level [P <0.001] among the groups. However, no significant difference [P>0.05] was noted in total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, apolipoprotein B 100, high density lipoprotein/apolipoprotein Al and low density lipoprotein/apolipoprotein B100 ratio in women with pregnancy induced hypertension and normotensive pregnant women. Women who developed pregnancy induced hypertension had 28.8%, 29.5%, 3 1.1%, 32.9% and 65.3% significantly higher, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglycerides, total cholesterol/high density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol/high density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio and triglycerides/high density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio respectively than the controls. The high density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol/very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio and apolipoprotein-A I were 26.9%, 56.6% and 27.9% respectively lower in women with pregnancy induced hypertension than in controls. This study suggests that evaluation of lipoprotein concentrations during antenatal period can be helpful in the early detection and prevention of pregnancy induced hypertension

Urinary tract infection; an old disease in the new age

To document the common microorganisms causing UTI in human and their resistance to currently used antibiotics. PMRC, Research Center Khyber Medical College Peshawar. Retrospective analytical study. Jan 2000 to June 2003. Evaluation results of 597 urine cultures performed during the period, on clinically suspected referred subjects. Bacterial growth was obtained in 35% samples. Common micro organisms in decreasing order of yield are E. CoIi, Klebsiella, Staph aureus, Proteus species and pseudomonas isolated from 80, 7.1, 5. and 1.5% samples respectively. 100% sensitivity is observed for imipenum. Efficacy next in decreasing order was for Amikacin, Tarivid, Ciproxin and Rocephin. Esch. Coli is the predominant etiological organism of UTI and imipenum is the drug of choice to which over 80% of all the different organisms are sensitive. Constantly changing sensitivity pattern of the organisms responsible for UTI demands a periodic check for better selection of drug and reduction of consequences of the disease