Urinary Tract Infections Among the Elderly in Benin City, Nigeria

The elderly have an increased risk of developing urinary tract infection (UTI). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of UTI among elderly (≥ 60 years) patients in Benin City, Nigeria. Clean-catch midstream urine was collected from 943 (362 males and 581 females) elderly patients with signs and symptoms of UTI. Significant microbial isolates were identified in the urine specimens and an antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed on bacteria isolates using standard techniques. Male sex was a significant risk factor for acquiring UTI in the elderly (odds ratio = 6.584; 95% confidence interval = 4.081, 10.62; p < 0.0001). There was an inverse relationship between age and prevalence of UTI, as the prevalence of UTI significantly declined with increasing age (p = 0.023). Escherichia coli was the most common uropathogen (36.79%) in both sexes of elderly patients. Bacterial isolates were poorly susceptible to antibacterial agents used. An overall prevalence of 11.03% of UTI was observed among the elderly. Male sex showed an approximately 4-11-fold increased risk of acquiring UTI. The prevalence of UTI among the elderly decreases with increasing age. Rational use of antibiotics is advocated to stem the tide of high antibacterial resistance.

Key Words:  elderly , Nigeria , prevalence , urinary tract infection

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