Isolation And Characterization Of Uropathogenic Escherichia Coli In Water Closet Used By Male Students In A Tertiary Institution In Nigeria.

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background of study: Urinary Tract Infection (UTIs) are the most prevalent urinary tract diseases in the world. The most typical origin of UTIs is Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strains, which have a variety of virulence factors for their pathogenicity in the urinary system. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of Uropathogenic E. coli in male hostels of a tertiary institution in Ogun state. Aim: To identify the Uropathogenic E. coli causing urinary tract infection and its impact on the health of male students. Methodology: Using a sampling technique known as the swab-rinse technique, fifty samples were randomly collected from male toilet hostels in a tertiary institution in Ogun state, Nigeria. The samples were cultured on MacConkey agar after which the DNA of distinct isolates were extracted for multiplex polymerase chain reaction using virulence gene primers papC, papEF, papGclassicI, Cdbt, and hlyA. The amplicon generated were viewed using 1.8% agarose gel on UV transilluminator. Result: Of the 50 samples screened, this study showed prevalence of Uropathogenic E. coli to be (44.6%). Pap gene was the most prevalent (42.2%) followed by hlyA (4.4%). The PCR reaction results identified 11PaPC (24.4%), 4 PaPGclassic(8.8%), 3 PaPE/F(6.7%), 2HlyA(4.4%), 1 Cdbt(2.2%). All these strains were negative for Usp and CNF. PaPC was identified to be having occurred, the most pervasive virulence factor found in 24.4% of strains.

Conclusion: This study findings showed the presence of Uropathogenic E. coli in the study population, and this suggets that Uropathogenic E. coli is a prevalent and widespread cause of Urinary Tract Infection within Ogun state. This study provides valuable insight into the prevalence of UPEC in male hostels of a tertiary institution. It also highlights the importance of regular monitoring and screening of individuals with UTI symptoms to prevent the spread of UPEC. The high prevalence of uropathogenic E. coli suggests that there may be a need for intervention to control and prevent the spread of this pathogen.