BACTERIOLOGY OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION AMONG INMATES IN JOS MAIN PRISON, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

Essien U. C.*, Ede F. R., Idoko E., Vem T. S., Damen J. G. and Sheyin Z.

ABSTRACT

Prison inmate comprises individuals of diverse tribe and ethnic background drawn from different location to live under an overcrowded and poor sanitary condition. Inmates generally are susceptible to diseases due to stress and high risk behaviour which account for low immunity. The present study was aimed to determine the prevalence of urinary tract infection among inmates in Jos main prison, Plateau State. Sterile universal containers were used to collect single voided mid-stream urine (MSU) From 318 inmates at the Jos main prison. These samples were transported in a cooler to the Department of Medical Laboratory science, University of Jos for processing. Briefly, standard wire loop was used to streak-inoculate urine specimens onto Cysteine Lactose electrolyte deficient agar (CLED) and Chocolate agar respectively. Cultures were incubated for 18-24 hours at 370C. Bacterial growths after incubation were identified based on colonial characteristics, Gram staining technique and biochemical tests. Demographic data were collected by administering questionnaires to the study participants. Data collected were analyzed by EPI info statistical package version 3.5.1. Out of the 318 prison inmates who participated in the study 68 (21.4%) were positive for urinary tract infection. The study revealed that female participants had the highest occurrence 1 (33.3%) of infection, while male participants had 67 (21.3%). Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently isolated uropathogen with a prevalence of 53 (77.9%). Pertaining to the duration of incarceration inmates with longer period of incarceration appeared to be the most infected >10years 5(41.7%) compared to those with shorter duration of <1 year 34(17.7%). There was no statistically significant difference in occurrence of infection regarding duration of incarceration p=0.472 (P>0.05) in the study. The present study has revealed the prevalence of urinary tract infection among inmates of Jos main prison. However, findings from this study are expected to provide information that would assist the concern health authority on the need to intensify preventive and control measures against infections.

Keywords: Urinary tract infection, prison inmates, Staphylococcus aureus, Jos main prison.