Uropathogens and their antimicrobial susceptibility among healthy primary school children in Gaza City.

Abstract:

Children in the primary school age are under high risk of developing urinary tract infection (UTI), that are considered as serious health problems affecting children each year. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of UTI among healthy primary school children and to identify the most common uropathogens and determine their antimicrobial susceptibility to common antimicrobials in Gaza city. This is a cross sectional study wherein urine samples were collected from 383 healthy students distributed among 6 schools in Gaza city, each student was provided with sterile urine cup to collect early midstream urine. Written instructions for proper urine collection was provided to each student along with a questionnaire which was filled by the student`s family. All urine samples were processed during 2 hours from collection; culture on blood agar and MacConkey agar, urine analysis and microscopic examination were performed and sensitivity test was done for positive sample that has bacterial count ?100,000 CFU/ml.

The prevalence of UTI was 10.6%, 15.0% among female and 6.2% among male. Gram-negative bacteria were responsible for 73.6% of UTIs.  Escherichia coli was the most predominant uropathogen with 36.8%, followed by Proteus mirabilis 18.4% and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 15.8%. Antimicrobial susceptibility results showed that E. coli is sensitive for  Amikacin, Ceftazidime, Nalidixic acid and Ofloxacin.  Proteus group is sensitive for  Amikacin, Ceftazidime, Ceftriaxone, Cefuroxime and Ofloxacin. Pseudomonas species were sensitive foruAmikacin, Ceftriaxone and Ofloxacin .

In conclusion, the overall prevalence of UTI is 10.6% in Gaza City in the age group from 6-12. UTI is more common in female. Gram negative bacteria are responsible for 73.6% of UTIs and E. coli is the most predominant uropathogens.