A Bacteriological Study of Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) For Diagnosis of Significant Bacteriuria

ABSTRACT

Urinary Tract Infection is an infection localized in the urinary tract. Acute community acquired UTI are very common. UTI is also the most common cause of nosocomial infections. The present study is therefore being undertaken to evaluate the bacteriological profile of urinary tract infections using cultural analysis with antimicrobial susceptibility testing and to determine the age-gender distribution, socio-demographic variables and risk factors predisposing the patients to UTI. Methods: The study was undertaken in the Department of Microbiology, Goa Medical College on 200 urine samples that were collected randomly from patients, attending the Out Patient Department. Urine samples were collected from patients with a provisional diagnosis of urinary tract infections, based on clinical history alone. The patient was asked a detailed personal history. Further each sample was processed with Semi quantitative culture and antimicrobial sensitivity testing. Risk factors were evaluated from the study. Results: 200 samples processed by semi-quantitative loop method, out of which significant bacteriuria was observed in 62% cases. Cases belonging to the age group 21-30 years and females were significantly more affected; Majority of the subjects were married (85%), Housewives (47.5%) and belonging to lower socioeconomic status (51.5%). Pregnancy, as a risk factor predisposing to UTI was seen in a large number of subjects (62%). In the study isolation of gram negative bacilli were to the tune of 79.1% ;majority being Escherichia coli (34.3%). while Gram positive cocci were 20.9% commonest being group D streptococcus (20.9%). Conclusion: The above study evaluated that majority of subjects susceptible are married females belonging to lower class. Pregnancy and Diabetes mellitus are the commonest predisposing factors. Culture analysis by semi-quantitative loop method showed Significant bacteriuria in 62% cases. Commonest etiological bacterial pathogen was Escherichia coli followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae and Group D Streptococcus.