INVESTIGATION OF UROPATHOGENS AMONG FEMALE STUDENTS OCCUPYING HOSTELS OF COLLEGE OF HEALTH TECHNOLOGY (COTECH) CALABAR, CROSS RIVER STATE

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. It is caused by microorganisms and is a significant public health concern affecting men and women of all age bracket with high prevalence in women. Study regarding isolation and identification of pathogens causing UTI among female students residing in school hostels has been scanty hence this study is aimed at investigating uropathogens among female students in College of Health Technology hostels as well as add to already existing knowledge concerning urinary tract infection. This research was carried out using standard bacteriological and microbiological techniques. Colour of the urine samples analyzed ranged from pale yellow, yellow to amber and turbidity were clear to cloudy. The amber colour of urine and turbidity are indications of an infection as well as the presence of nitrite in 3(14%) of the samples. Presence of yeast, numerous epithelial cells, crystals and >8HPF pus cells in 21(100%), 9(43%), 3(14%) and 15(71%) respectively are also indications of urinary tract infection. Four prominent pathogens Morganella morganii, Proteus mirabilis, Citrobacter freundii, and Micrococcus mucilaginous were isolated at percentage occurrence of 43%, 29%, 14% and 14% respectively with three being gram negative. This shows that urinary tract infections are mostly caused by gram negative bacteria. This data report will be useful in further research and calls for urgent regular health education. It also prompts for regular urinalysis check for both asymptomatic and symptomatic UTI for a healthy society.